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

The pressure is on to finish not just with a winning record and a bowl berth, but enough to convince the brass that a return to ACC and national title contention in the near future is possible. — Andre C. Fernandez, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2026

Hayek Pinault previously told Entertainment Weekly that Jolie needed to work hard to convince her to take the role. — Derek Lawrence, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Aug. 2026

An imagined 2014 case involving State Farm was cited to convince a judge that the company was, ultimately, not responsible for covering all the damage to the plaintiff’s home. — Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026

Still, not everyone is convinced by predictions of a coming humanoid robotics boom. — Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 19 Aug. 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