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 retina’s photoreceptor cells use light-sensitive proteins, called opsins, to convert light entering the eye into electrical signals. — Simon Makin, Scientific American, "Using Light to Control Cells Holds Promise across the Body," 23 Apr. 2021 The end result was a giant mess that failed to satisfy the fans or convert the detractors. — Jacob Siegal, BGR, "HBO Max subscriber numbers aren’t great news for the Snyder Cut," 22 Apr. 2021 Snow is expected to change to rain in the afternoon as temperatures warm and could convert back to light snow late tonight. — Cliff Pinckard, cleveland, "Another 1-3 inches of snow possible this morning in Northeast Ohio," 21 Apr. 2021 The Philadelphia Eagles also tabled a proposal that would have allowed teams twice per game to attempt to retain the ball after a score by trying to convert a fourth-and-15 play rather than recover an onside kick. — Michael Middlehurst-schwartz, USA TODAY, "NFL approves rule change on jersey number, nixes shifts to overtime format," 21 Apr. 2021 Residents who got money to convert their lawns ended up spending two to three times as much on their own, said James Wolfin, a sustainable landcare manager for Metro Blooms, one of the organizations helping the state run the program. — Greg Stanley, Star Tribune, "Minnesota homeowners planted acres of bee, pollinator habitat through new state program," 19 Apr. 2021 On Monday, Harris visited a North Carolina bus manufacturing plant and urged $20 billion in investments to help convert the nation’s 500,000 school buses to electric. — BostonGlobe.com, "Dems push $25b to electrify school buses, a Biden priority," 19 Apr. 2021 Some estimates to convert Florida’s electrical grid to an underground system have been as high as $136.4 billion, according to a study by Florida Public Service Commission. — Joe Mario Pedersen, orlandosentinel.com, "Hurricane Facts: Which hurricane kept Floridians in the dark the longest?," 19 Apr. 2021 The following month, the railway operator announced plans to convert as many as 20,000 old train carriages into isolation wards for patients as the virus spread. — Jack Guy And Rob Picheta, CNN, "CCTV shows the moment a railroad worker snatched a child from the path of a train," 19 Apr. 2021 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Shortly before he was admitted to Oxford University in 1916 to study English literature, C. S. Lewis, a recent convert to atheism, got into an argument with a friend about Christianity and its supernatural elements. — Joseph Loconte, National Review, "How C. S. Lewis Accepted Christianity," 4 Apr. 2021 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

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

29 Apr 2021

Cite this Entry

“Convert.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/convert. Accessed 7 May. 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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