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

This year, Dimon gave his opinions on everyone’s favorite subjects: 😬 Interest rates: Dimon’s not convinced the Fed will make cuts. —Susan Howson, Quartz, 8 Apr. 2024

Police and the prosecution were convinced Troconis had helped plan an alibi, including that call Troconis picked up on Fotis Dulos' phone. —Erin Moriarty, CBS News, 6 Apr. 2024

But the composer played some of his score for Lansbury and convinced her of the character’s potential. —Thomas Floyd, Washington Post, 6 Apr. 2024

So does his friend Marty Funkhouser (Bob Einstein), who would be within his rights to eternally expunge Larry, simply for the time, at Marty’s father’s funeral, that Larry removed from the coffin a golf club he was convinced belonged to him. —Wesley Morris Ron Butler Emma Kehlbeck Ted Blaisdell, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2024

Still, Peterson is convinced the Hornets’ gig is a premium opportunity. —Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 4 Apr. 2024

Perhaps you were convinced that rainbow swirl outfished all the rest. —Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 4 Apr. 2024

In fact, Thompson is convinced the entire nominating fight was rigged in Clinton’s favor and Sanders only yielded because he and his wife, Jane, were threatened. —Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2024

Uber and Airbnb popularized turning users into lobbyists Many companies try to convince you to support their business, social or political agendas. —Shira Ovide, Washington Post, 26 Mar. 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