convert

verb con·vert \ kən-ˈvərt \

|Updated on: 19 Aug 2018

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Examples: convert in a Sentence

Definition of convert

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

See convert defined for English-language learners

See convert defined for kids

Examples of convert in a Sentence

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.

Recent Examples of convert from the Web

An Exhibit 10 contract also can be converted into a two-way contract before the first day of the season.

— josh robbins, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Magic sign FSU alum Braian Angola-Rodas to Exhibit 10 contract," 14 July 2018
The big showcase destination, the lost city of Atlantis, has been converted to a casino, where winged beasts and dark lords sit dead-eyed in front of flashing slot machines.

— barbara vandenburgh, azcentral, "Monsters go on vacation in 'Hotel Transylvania 3'," 12 July 2018
For a hundred years, microphones consisted of a relatively large membrane whose vibrations were converted to electrical impulses.

— christopher mims, WSJ, "All Ears: Always-On Listening Devices Could Soon Be Everywhere," 12 July 2018
The paintings were then converted into projection backdrops that artfully complement Reno’s physical golf course scenery.

— mitchel benson, sacbee, "‘Ladies Foursome’ maintains remarkable chemistry in return to B Street Theatre," 10 July 2018
Archaeologists found the barrels, which were converted to toilets in the mid-to-late 17th century, while conducting excavation work in the central district of Kultorvet back in 2011, Cosmos’ Andrew Masterson reports.

— meilan solly, Smithsonian, "Archaeologists Unseal 17th-Century Danish Latrines to Discover Copenhageners’ Dietary Habits," 9 July 2018
The downstairs, a former bocce pizza and martini bar, has been converted into a colorful work area and hangout venue with special photography exhibitions and artwork.

— patrick z. mcgavin, Aurora Beacon-News, "Guide to outdoor dining in Chicago suburbs: Endiro Coffee in Aurora," 6 July 2018
The Autobahn was fully converted into an emergency airbase, including the installation of visual approach and takeoff lights and the presence of a temporary control tower, firefighting and ambulance services, radar, and refueling equipment.

— kyle mizokami, Popular Mechanics, "Watch A-10 Warthogs Landing on the German Autobahn During the Cold War," 5 July 2018
That small conference room that nobody uses is converted into a meditation and prayer room.

— tom alexander, chicagotribune.com, "Five things you can do to improve diversity and inclusion at your company today, like right now, this moment," 5 July 2018

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.

Origin and Etymology of convert

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

See Words from the same year

convert Synonyms

Synonyms

argue, bring, bring around, convince, gain, get, induce, move, persuade, prevail (on or upon), satisfy, talk (into), win (over);

Near Antonyms

deter, discourage, dissuade, unsell;

allure, beguile, lead on, lure, seduce, snow, tempt;

brainwash, overpersuade;

incline, influence, move, prompt, sell, sway;

reason (with);

Synonym Discussion of 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

convert

noun con·vert \ ˈkän-ˌvərt \

Definition of convert

: one that is converted

a convert to Christianity

See convert defined for English-language learners

Examples of convert in a Sentence

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 of convert from the Web

Also, issuing converts doesn’t immediately dilute the value of existing shares.

— jeff brown, WSJ, "How Bond Convertibles Work," 8 July 2018
The more intriguing possibility, as Sargent points out, is that while die-hard voters on either side are tough converts, there’s a broad middle band of voters politicians might focus on reaching.

— jeet heer, The New Republic, "Does criticizing Trump make his base like him more?," 24 June 2018
While many campuses have only recently started to do something to improve student learning and outcomes, Laude was an early convert.

— jeffrey j. selingo, ajc, "Why do so many students drop out of college? And what can be done about it?," 9 June 2018
Its three-level, 1,500-vehicle underground parking lot converts to a 1,740-bed hospital within 72 hours.

— eliana rudee, Jewish Journal, "A dose of innovation in security and medical technology at Rambam Hospital," 5 June 2018
No need for an Irish convert to meddle in the kitchen.

— pat lenhoff, chicagotribune.com, "Column: Mother's Day is a chance to reflect on those tiny, personal memories," 3 May 2018
Reverend Gerald Durley is another creation care convert.

— tik root, Newsweek, "An Evangelical Movement Takes On Climate Change," 9 Mar. 2016
Republicans have become converts on public campaign financing, which came about after the resignation of Gov. John Rowland for accepting gifts from state contractors.

— neil vigdor, courant.com, "Bob Stefanowski Shames Mark Boughton And Tim Herbst For Use Of Public Campaign Funds," 21 June 2018
Stapleton assuredly walked off the stage with more than a few new converts in his jean pockets, which in 2018 is no small feat.

— craig hlavaty, Houston Chronicle, "A revamped Eagles lineup and Chris Stapleton knock the hits out of Minute Maid Park," 16 June 2018

First Known Use of convert

1561

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

convert Synonyms

Other Religion (Eastern and Other) Terms

Zen, antinomian, avatar, gnosticism, illuminati, ineffable, karma, koan, mantra

CONVERT Defined for English Language Learners

convert

verb

Definition of convert for English Language Learners

: 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

Definition of convert for English Language Learners

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

CONVERT Defined for Kids

convert

verb con·vert \ kən-ˈvərt \

Definition of convert for Students

converted; converting

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 \

Definition of convert for Students

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

Law Dictionary

convert

transitive verb con·vert \ kən-ˈvərt \

legal Definition of convert

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

play \kən-ˈvər-tə-bəl\ adjective

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convert

Definition of convert

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CONVERT Defined for English Language Learners

convert

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convert

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CONVERT Defined for Kids

convert

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convert

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Law Dictionary

convert

legal Definition of convert

converter

convertible

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