convert

verb con·vert \ kən-ˈvərt \

|Updated on: 11 Jun 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: convert in a Sentence

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

Ellen Gabriel led the Lions defensively by converting 44 of 46 putout opportunities with no fielding errors.

— brent kennedy, Howard County Times, "Howard County JV spring athletes earn their stripes," 5 June 2018
Southeastern Grocers already started that process in Central Florida by converting a Winn-Dixie store at 7382 Curry Ford Road in Orlando into a Hispanic grocer Fresco y Mas.

— kyle arnold, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Winn-Dixie parent emerges from bankruptcy, plans remodels," 31 May 2018
Chicago jumped eight spots in the ranking over two years by converting schoolyards and playgrounds into public parks on the weekends, improving park access and overall acreage.

— david johnson, Time, "These Cities Have the Best Public Park Systems in the Country," 25 May 2018
At the Woolworth Building, the 1913 skyscraper designed by architect Cass Gilbert, which was the tallest in the world until 1930, Alchemy Properties is in the process of converting the top 30 floors into 33 condos priced from $3.875 million.

— tim mckeough, New York Times, "A Prewar Building’s History Becomes an Amenity," 24 May 2018
There is a term for stories written with the purpose of converting minds to support a cause.

— nathaniel rich, The Atlantic, "The Novel That Asks, ‘What Went Wrong With Mankind?’," 11 May 2018
Town Meeting in October 2017 agreed to explore the concept of converting a portion of the long-idle 55-acre site to a public park.

— john laidler, BostonGlobe.com, "Hanson eyes park for part of old hospital site," 8 May 2018
By converting some older buildings into residential lofts, as well as new construction, city leaders believe that adding residents will enliven downtown, especially at night.

— shayndi raice, WSJ, "How Bad Is the Labor Shortage? Cities Will Pay You to Move There," 30 Apr. 2018
As the public argues the merits of converting land on the edges of country parks or redeveloping the golf course that’s home to the historic Hong Kong Golf Club, one business leader had a different idea this week.

— Fortune, "Hong Kong Has a New Solution For Its Land Shortage: Underground Caverns," 27 Apr. 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 \

: 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

Because Brady has so much influence in New England, teammates like Edelman, Rob Gronkowski and Chris Hogan have become converts to their quarterback’s alternative training program.

— kalyn kahler, SI.com, "Edelman Suspension Adds Fuel to the Brady/Belichick Alex Guerrero Feud," 8 June 2018
Authorities said that on Aug. 12, Alberts and another Arlington Heights man, Eric Elwell, 24, met the woman and two of her friends at Moretti’s Ristorante & Pizzeria in Lake in the Hills after hours, when the restaurant converts into Club 220.

— amanda marrazzo, chicagotribune.com, "Man pleads guilty to sex abuse of woman he met at club, gets probation," 4 June 2018
Herman, 31, a convert to Islam, was known to local authorities as a repeat offender involved in petty crime and drugs.

— Time, "The Four Killings in Belgium Are Being Treated as 'Terrorist Murder,' Authorities Say," 31 May 2018
Most of the buy-and-hold skeptics have become converts to the approach.

— mark hulbert, USA TODAY, "Warren Buffett buy-and-hold approach for stocks may be wrong for you," 15 May 2018
Starwood guests currently have to link their account to the Marriott reward program and convert points to redeem rewards at Marriott hotels, and visa versa.

— hugo martin, latimes.com, "Marriott, Starwood and Ritz Carlton to combine loyalty reward programs this summer," 17 Apr. 2018
Mayak, which was built in 1948, produces components for nuclear weapons and stores and converts spent nuclear fuel.

— marc bennetts, Newsweek, "Crackdown in Russia: Critics Accuse Nuclear Authorities of Soviet-Style Cover-Ups and Heavy-Handed Tactics," 21 Dec. 2017
He and Harry teamed up to help the crew convert homes in Manchester for veterans in September 2015.

— erin hill, PEOPLE.com, "Prince William Steps Out 4 Days Before Serving as Best Man at Prince Harry's Royal Wedding," 15 May 2018
That won him many converts, but for the action, authorities tied him to an anchor and tossed him into the Black Sea, a martyrdom which later earned him sainthood.

— jason daley, Smithsonian, "No, the Bone of Saint Clement Was Probably Not Just Found in London’s Trash," 4 May 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

: 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

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

CONVERT Defined for Kids

convert

verb con·vert \ kən-ˈvərt \

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 \

: 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 \

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

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First Known Use of convert

convert Synonyms

Synonyms

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CONVERT Defined for English Language Learners

convert

convert

CONVERT Defined for Kids

convert

convert

Law Dictionary

convert

converter

convertible

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