convince

verb

con·​vince kən-ˈvin(t)s 

convinced; convincing

transitive verb

1

: to bring (as by argument) to belief, consent, or a course of action : persuade

convinced himself that she was all right

—William Faulkner

something I could never convince him to read

—John Lahr

2

obsolete

a

: to overcome by argument

b

: overpower, overcome

3

obsolete : demonstrate, prove

convincer noun

Synonyms

• argue
• bring
• bring around
• convert
• gain
• get
• induce
• move
• persuade
• prevail (on or upon)
• satisfy
• talk (into)
• win (over)

Examples of convince in a Sentence

He convinced me that the story was true.

They convinced us of their innocence.

I managed to convince myself that I was doing the right thing.

We convinced them to go along with our scheme.

I was unable to convince her to stay.

Recent Examples on the Web

But any technology that introduces hard-to-find holes in security and opens up people and businesses to convincing fraudulent behavior must have a firm, stabilizing hand. —Matt Lowe, Forbes, 23 Sep. 2024

When Glasnow returned to go 10-7 with a 3.53 ERA and 162 strikeouts in 21 starts for the Rays in 2023, missing two months because of an oblique strain but experiencing no significant arm injuries, he was convinced his elbow issues were finally behind him. —Mike Digiovanna, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2024

Just a few short months ago, the tech world was convinced AI hardware could be the next big thing. —Victoria Song, The Verge, 21 Sep. 2024

At one point in his career, Hill helped convince Jordan to seek global expansion, even though the NBA legend had his doubts. —Kim Bhasin, Fortune, 21 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin convincere to refute, convict, prove, from com- + vincere to conquer — more at victor

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

convince

verb

con·​vince kən-ˈvin(t)s 

convinced; convincing

: to make a person agree or believe by arguing or showing evidence

convinced me it was true

convincer noun