convince

1 of 2

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

convincer

2 of 2

noun

con·​vinc·​er

kən-ˈvin(t)-sər

plural -s

: one that convinces

specifically : a particular act or argument that brings conviction

the offer of $15 was the convincer

Synonyms of convince

Verb

• persuade
• satisfy
• bring

Examples of convince in a Sentence

Verb

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

Verb

They also aren’t convinced by big tech giants’ promises of economic benefits from the centers. — Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 30 July 2026

Achieving this requires robust data integration and convincing guests that sharing preferences yields significant value. — Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026

If the mechanism is so offensive, then all that remains is to convince lawmakers to repeal it. — Devorah Lauter For Artnews, Robb Report, 29 July 2026

Soon, Jones showed up at Lewry's father's front door and convinced him to sign over the property, Lewry said. — Jared Kofsky, ABC News, 29 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

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

First Known Use

Verb

1530, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for convince

• evince
• mince
• prince
• quince
• rinse
• since
• wince

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