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

Synonyms for convert

Synonyms: Verb

Synonyms: Noun

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 To convert these to emissions, the dollar figures were multiplied by an approximate carbon intensity rate for commercial lending by US banks, calculated by the climate consulting firm South Pole. — Tim Mcdonnell, Quartz, 17 May 2022 Christian girls abducted by Boko Haram are forced to convert to Islam (and/or marry their abductors). — Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab, Forbes, 16 May 2022 The story moved Devasahayam to convert to Christianity and take the name Lazarus. — Anant Gupta, Washington Post, 16 May 2022 So five years ago, the 22nd District Agricultural Association, which manages the fairgrounds, decided to convert the building from a gambling facility to a 1,900-capacity entertainment and event space. — Greg Moran, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 May 2022 Other options double as furniture and convert to coffee tables and side tables, with a center insert to cover lava rocks. — Kylee Mcguigan, Popular Mechanics, 12 May 2022 For about a century and a half prior to American independence, the English legal system imposed a wide range of civil and religious restrictions on English Catholics who had refused to convert to the Anglican faith. — Matt Ford, The New Republic, 11 May 2022 Stick vacs work best cleaning bare floors, low pile rugs and surface cleaning carpets, and, for those that convert to a hand vac or have hand vacuums on board, upholstery, stairs and even the car. — Carolyn Forté, Good Housekeeping, 5 May 2022 After all, the big blue Pacific Ocean washes up on our shores, and the technology to convert seawater to fresh water by removing its salt isn’t especially novel. — Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2022 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun The others include an 18th Century Indian convert known as Devashayam, as well as four priests and four nuns who founded religious orders in Europe, according to the Associated Press. — Fox News, 15 May 2022 Compound Prime and Compound Treasury convert investors' dollar deposits into stablecoin USDC to use for their lending project. — Taylor Locke, Fortune, 9 May 2022 Detectors inside each scientific instrument convert infrared heat signals into electrical signals. — Manasee Wagh, Popular Mechanics, 18 Apr. 2022 The Guardians lost, 1-0, in 10 innings, but Plesac came away a PitchCom convert. — Paul Hoynes, cleveland, 14 Apr. 2022 Reyna Aburto was not the first Latina nor the first convert in that celebrated calling. — The Salt Lake Tribune, 27 Mar. 2022 As Jonathan becomes more fanatical in his quest to be accepted as a convert, Zalmy grows more preoccupied with the profane pleasures of roller disco and musical theater. — Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2022 In Operation Flex, an informant for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Craig Monteilh, posed as a convert to Islam and sought to ingratiate himself with young congregants interested in physical fitness. — Jess Bravin, WSJ, 4 Mar. 2022 Maa and Tyagi, a recent convert to Hinduism who was formerly known as Wasim Rizvi, did not respond to requests for comment. — NBC News, 18 Jan. 2022 See More

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

23 May 2022

Cite this Entry

“Convert.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/convert. Accessed 26 May. 2022.

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More Definitions for convert

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