convert

verb

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con·vert | \ kən-ˈvərt

converted; converting; converts

Definition of convert

(Entry 1 of 2)

transitive verb

1a : to bring over from one belief, view, or party to another They tried to convert us to their way of thinking.

b : to bring about a religious conversion in The missionaries converted the native people to Christianity.

2a : to alter the physical or chemical nature or properties of especially in manufacturing converting starch into dextrose

b(1) : to change from one form or function to another converted the attic into a bedroom

(2) : to alter for more effective utilization convert a coal furnace to oil

(3) : to appropriate without right

c : to exchange for an equivalent convert foreign currency into dollars convert a bond

3 obsolete : turn

4 : to subject to logical conversion

5a : to make a goal after receiving (a pass) from a teammate

b : to score on (an attempt, such as a try for point or free throw)

c : to make (a spare) in bowling

intransitive verb

1 : to undergo conversion He converted to Islam.

2 : to succeed in an attempt for a point, field goal, or free throw

convert

noun

con·vert | \ ˈkän-ˌvərt

Definition of convert (Entry 2 of 2)

: one that is converted a convert to Christianity

Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about convert

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Synonyms for convert

Synonyms: Verb

Synonyms: Noun

neophyte,
proselyte

Choose the Right Synonym for convert

Verb

transform, metamorphose, transmute, convert, transmogrify, transfigure mean to change a thing into a different thing. transform implies a major change in form, nature, or function. transformed a small company into a corporate giant metamorphose suggests an abrupt or startling change induced by or as if by magic or a supernatural power. awkward girls metamorphosed into graceful ballerinas transmute implies transforming into a higher element or thing. attempted to transmute lead into gold convert implies a change fitting something for a new or different use or function. converted the study into a nursery transmogrify suggests a strange or preposterous metamorphosis. a story in which a frog is transmogrified into a prince transfigure implies a change that exalts or glorifies. joy transfigured her face

Examples of convert in a Sentence

Verb They tried for two points but could not convert. They had many chances to score but they couldn't convert their opportunities. They had chances to score but couldn't convert. Noun I didn't think I'd like paying my bills online, but now I'm a convert. the converts were the most vocal and fervent worshippers in the church

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb The owner of a popular barbershop considers selling the place to a loan shark who wants to convert it into a strip club. — Ed Stockly, Los Angeles Times, "Movies on TV this week ‘Pulp Fiction’ on BBC America and IFC," 9 Apr. 2021 Because those customers who already love the product will share it with their friends, helping convert them into new customers. — Shama Hyder, Forbes, "How To Win The Retention Game: A Case Study With Lingopie," 9 Apr. 2021 Authorities have recovered a Confederate monument that had been stolen in Alabama and was the subject of a ransom note threatening to convert it into a toilet, New Orleans police confirmed Friday. — Kim Chandler, Star Tribune, "Stolen Confederate monument recovered in New Orleans," 9 Apr. 2021 In 2018, the city purchased a closed indoor skydiving building at 14th Street and Imperial Avenue for $7 million to convert it into a one-stop center to help homeless people. — Michael Smolens Columnist, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Column: Sports arena development becomes another troubled real estate transaction for Faulconer," 7 Apr. 2021 Ghost Tree also owns the narrow alley adjacent to the brewpub, and Blatt hopes to convert it into a patio. — Marc Bona, cleveland, "Ghost Tree Brewing Co. fitting in comfortably in Amherst," 29 Mar. 2021 The Chinese coast guard and fishing fleets pose a special danger to Taiwan, in the eyes of American strategists who suspect that Beijing might try to convert them into a stealthy invasion force. — Joel Gehrke, Washington Examiner, "US-Taiwan coast guard partner to blunt potential Chinese invasion," 28 Mar. 2021 In the 1980s, the family added to the structure to convert it to a five-bedroom, roughly 7,000-square-foot home. — Candace Taylor, WSJ, "Whitney Museum Founder’s Long Island Art Studio Lists for $4.75 Million," 26 Mar. 2021 The researchers were able to use volatile fatty acids from fermenting old food waste and convert it to simple paraffin molecules that can be used in fuel and really aren’t all that different chemically from traditional fossil fuels. — Popular Science, "Plane rides of the future could be fueled by table scraps," 16 Mar. 2021 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun As with so much else, President Biden is now a convert. — The Editorial Board, WSJ, "The Green New Deal, in Disguise," 12 Apr. 2021 The seats inside convert to a bed when the stars come out, and the set includes accessories like luggage, maps and food. — Fiona Tapp, CNN Underscored, "Fun, smart outdoor-themed products to reignite kids’ wanderlust," 15 Mar. 2021 Recent convert Oprah named the bag one of her Favorite Things of 2020. — Fiorella Valdesolo, WSJ, "10 Cult Fashion Items That Stand the Test of Time," 13 Mar. 2021 In the meantime, any one of these five personal care products will turn you into a convert and an immediate believer. — Tanya Akim, Forbes, "The 5 Best Dyson Products That Will Change Your Life In 2021," 28 Feb. 2021 After Texas suffered through a 2011 cold snap that led to rolling power blackouts, Donna Nelson, then the chair of the state’s Public Utility Commission, became a capacity-market convert. — Gilbert Garcia, San Antonio Express-News, "Garcia: Winter storm's lesson - nothing short of systemic change will fix Texas electric grid," 23 Feb. 2021 By identifying himself as a convert to the Nation of Islam, the boxer attracted ire from white and black Americans alike. — Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine, "The True History Behind ‘One Night in Miami’," 15 Jan. 2021 Van Drew was joined by Vernon Jones, a fellow new GOP convert currently serving as a state representative in Georgia. — Carly Roman, Washington Examiner, "Democrat-turned-Republican Jeff Van Drew calls on Biden to unite the country," 10 Jan. 2021 The safety convert has turned heads as one of the better players on the Texas defense as the season has gone on. — Marcus Krum, Dallas News, "Tom Herman says Texas LB Juwan Mitchell intends to return in 2021," 28 Dec. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'convert.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

17 Apr 2021

Cite this Entry

“Convert.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/convert. Accessed 19 Apr. 2021.

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More Definitions for convert

convert

verb

English Language Learners Definition of convert

(Entry 1 of 2)

: to change (something) into a different form or so that it can be used in a different way

: to change to a different system, method, etc.

: to change from one form or use to another

convert

noun

English Language Learners Definition of convert (Entry 2 of 2)

: a person who has changed to a different religion, belief, political party, etc.

See the full definition for convert in the English Language Learners Dictionary

convert

verb

con·vert | \ kən-ˈvərt

converted; converting

Kids Definition of convert

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : to change from one form to another There are mechanical devices that convert air into beautiful sounds.— E. B. White, The Trumpet of the Swan

2 : to change from one belief, religion, view, or party to another

3 : to exchange for an equivalent I converted my dollars into euros.

convert

noun

con·vert | \ ˈkän-ˌvərt

Kids Definition of convert (Entry 2 of 2)

: a person who has been convinced to change to a different belief, religion, view, or party

convert

transitive verb

con·vert | \ kən-ˈvərt

Legal Definition of convert

1a : to change from one form or use to another

b : to exchange (property) for another especially of a different kind if property…is compulsorily or involuntarily converted — Internal Revenue Code especially : to exercise the right of conversion by exchanging (preferred shares or bonds) for common stock

2 : to appropriate (another's property) by conversion the bailee converted the goods to his own use — see also embezzle

Other Words from convert

converter noun

convertible \ kən-ˈvər-tə-bəl

\ adjective

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