convert 1 of 2

Definition of convertnext
1
as in to influence
to persuade to change to one's religious faith young missionaries who go door-to-door trying to convert people

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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convert

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word convert different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of convert are metamorphose, transfigure, transform, transmogrify, and transmute. While all these words mean "to change a thing into a different thing," convert implies a change fitting something for a new or different use or function.

converted the study into a nursery

When is it sensible to use metamorphose instead of convert?

The meanings of metamorphose and convert largely overlap; however, metamorphose suggests an abrupt or startling change induced by or as if by magic or a supernatural power.

awkward girls metamorphosed into graceful ballerinas

In what contexts can transfigure take the place of convert?

The words transfigure and convert are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, transfigure implies a change that exalts or glorifies.

joy transfigured her face

When can transform be used instead of convert?

While the synonyms transform and convert are close in meaning, transform implies a major change in form, nature, or function.

transformed a small company into a corporate giant

When could transmogrify be used to replace convert?

The synonyms transmogrify and convert are sometimes interchangeable, but transmogrify suggests a strange or preposterous metamorphosis.

a story in which a frog is transmogrified into a prince

When would transmute be a good substitute for convert?

While in some cases nearly identical to convert, transmute implies transforming into a higher element or thing.

attempted to transmute lead into gold

How is the word convert different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of convert are metamorphose, transfigure, transform, transmogrify, and transmute. While all these words mean "to change a thing into a different thing," convert implies a change fitting something for a new or different use or function.

converted the study into a nursery

When is it sensible to use metamorphose instead of convert?

The meanings of metamorphose and convert largely overlap; however, metamorphose suggests an abrupt or startling change induced by or as if by magic or a supernatural power.

awkward girls metamorphosed into graceful ballerinas

In what contexts can transfigure take the place of convert?

The words transfigure and convert are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, transfigure implies a change that exalts or glorifies.

joy transfigured her face

When can transform be used instead of convert?

While the synonyms transform and convert are close in meaning, transform implies a major change in form, nature, or function.

transformed a small company into a corporate giant

When could transmogrify be used to replace convert?

The synonyms transmogrify and convert are sometimes interchangeable, but transmogrify suggests a strange or preposterous metamorphosis.

a story in which a frog is transmogrified into a prince

When would transmute be a good substitute for convert?

While in some cases nearly identical to convert, transmute implies transforming into a higher element or thing.

attempted to transmute lead into gold

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of convert
Verb
Their excess production capacities, mostly dedicated to electric vehicles that nobody wants, could be converted to producing missiles, bullets, and bombs, which would be far more productive. Rob Crilly, The Washington Examiner, 17 Apr. 2026 Ruttenberg converted a large closet into a compact studio where the client can work. Alyssa Bird, Architectural Digest, 17 Apr. 2026
Noun
One study, however, reported that 12 young people have left the church for every new convert coming in. Joel Mathis, TheWeek, 7 Apr. 2026 More young people at church The Archdiocese of Boston says there's been a steady increase over the last four years, including nearly 700 new converts. Aaron Parseghian, CBS News, 5 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for convert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for convert
Verb
  • Our gut microbiome is made up of trillions of bacteria that influence digestion, immunity and overall health.
    LeeAnn Weintraub, Daily News, 15 Apr. 2026
  • Powell rebuked the investigation in a video message in January as a politically motivated effort to influence the Fed's interest rate policy.
    Luke Barr, ABC News, 15 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • South Downtown launches Atlanta's first open container district, transforming the city's approach to downtown entertainment.
    Monique John, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026
  • Brands were chosen for transforming daily life or becoming enduring symbols of American values.
    Nancy Cutler, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Barnes persuaded Imam and his new wife, Alice, to join the project in Steubenville, and the couple bought a house there in 2019.
    Emma Green, New Yorker, 17 Apr. 2026
  • In fact, his ally House Speaker Mike Johnson persuaded him to take it down.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 17 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Shaw says a firearm that was believed to have been used was seized.
    DeJanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2026
  • The laws, which her party backed in recent years, eliminated preliminary detention in certain cases and raised the threshold for seizing criminal assets.
    Franklin Briceño, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Mamdani also touted his work with the Department of Correction and committed to providing additional resources while delivering remarks to graduating recruits.
    Christina Fan, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2026
  • The former five-star recruit represents Australia internationally and prepped at IMG Academy in Florida.
    Michael Nowels, Mercury News, 10 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • He’d been struck that the Milwaukee branch of the adherents to his cause were forever boasting about their superior sanitation systems.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 19 Apr. 2026
  • TikTok obsessives, wellness-culture adherents, and misinformation junkies all end up in need of care.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 17 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • But proselytizing to Muslims by non-Muslims is a crime, and some other Christian denominations have faced persecution from Algerian authorities, who have closed their churches.
    Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2026
  • But proselytizing to Muslims by non-Muslims is a crime, and some other Christian denominations have faced persecution from Algerian authorities, who have closed their churches.
    ABC News, ABC News, 12 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • But prosecutors might have a difficult time convincing a jury that the five defendants are guilty of murder, said Linda Parisi, a defense attorney based in Sacramento.
    Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Aside from being a practical closet staple, the reviews really convinced me that this dress is a gem.
    Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 11 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Convert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/convert. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.

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