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 a shift in public opinion, and the backing of leaders of Israel’s security establishment, seem to have finally convinced Netanyahu the agreement would be politically palatable. —Claire Parker, Washington Post, 22 Nov. 2023

In an interview with Rolling Stone published Sunday, Geddy Lee, 70, opened up about how The Beatles musician, 81, tried to convince Rush — who completed their final tour in 2015 — to tour again. —Ilana Kaplan, Peoplemag, 21 Nov. 2023

Indeed, the Biden administration has increasingly worked to convince Latin American countries to stop U.S.-bound migrants by granting humanitarian protection to those eligible for it and deporting those who aren't. —Camilo Montoya-Galvez, CBS News, 20 Nov. 2023

But how was Lululemon able to convince shoppers to pay a premium for its clothing, such as a pair of leggings that can sell for upwards of $100? —Lionel Lim, Fortune, 20 Nov. 2023

But now as Biden tries to convince recalcitrant Republicans in the House to support his call for robust military aid for the wars in Ukraine and Israel, Cardi sounds like she’s basically done with politics and politicians. —Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 20 Nov. 2023

Car dealers are struggling to convince the general public to purchase electric vehicles, as the price tags seemingly only entice the upper class. —Jenny Goldsberry, Washington Examiner, 19 Nov. 2023

Is this just a move to convince her of his own diligence? —Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 17 Nov. 2023

Gaither was convinced that his Black institution was equal to white ones. —Zach Helfand, The New Yorker, 11 Nov. 2023

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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