convert

1 of 2

verb

con·​vert kən-ˈvərt 

converted; converting; converts

transitive verb

1

a

: 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.

2

a

: 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

5

a

: 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

2 of 2

noun

con·​vert ˈkän-ˌvərt 

: one that is converted

a convert to Christianity

Synonyms

Verb

• influence
• proselytize
• propagate
• proselyte

Noun

• recruit
• newcomer

Choose the Right Synonym for convert

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

Through these innovations, the Sierra Energy has demonstrated a comprehensive, closed-loop solution for converting waste into clean energy and reusable materials—paving the way for a more sustainable future in both transportation and energy production. —David Blekhman, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025

And while consumer awareness is growing, education is still needed; overly complex terpene profiles can confuse rather than convert new buyers. —Peter Su, Rolling Stone, 15 July 2025

Noun

To get maximum flavor out of your vegetables, harvest them early in the morning since starch converts to sugar overnight. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 3 July 2025

Jolly formally announced his bid Thursday, becoming the latest party convert hoping to wrest back control of what had been the country's premier swing state before shifting hard to the right in recent years. —Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Anglo-French convertir, from Latin convertere to turn around, transform, convert, from com- + vertere to turn — more at worth

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Noun

1561, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

convert

1 of 2 verb

con·​vert kən-ˈvərt 

1

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

2

a

: to change from one substance, form, use, or unit to another

convert pounds to grams

b

: to exchange for something equal in value

convert francs into dollars

converter noun

convert

2 of 2 noun

con·​vert ˈkän-ˌvərt 

: a person who has been converted

Legal Definition

convert

transitive verb

con·​vert kən-ˈvərt 

1

a

: 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

converter noun

convertible

kən-ˈvər-tə-bəl 

adjective