CONVERT Synonyms: 196 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

convert 1 of 2

verb

kən-ˈvərt

Definition of convert

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

as in to transform

to change in form, appearance, or use the old factory was converted into an apartment building

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as in to persuade

to cause (someone) to agree with a belief or course of action by using arguments or earnest request many who used to insist that global warming was a myth have since been converted

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to seize

to take or make use of under a guise of authority but without actual right the bailee converted the goods to his own use

Synonyms & Similar Words

convert

2 of 2

noun

ˈkän-ˌvərt

as in recruit

a person who has recently been persuaded to join a religious sect the converts were the most vocal and fervent worshippers in the church

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in adherent

one who follows the opinions or teachings of another the British biologist T. H. Huxley was one of the earliest converts to Darwin's theory of evolution

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

Simon rotated a telescope towards the night sky while photodiodes detected light from planets and stars—which was then converted into an electrical signal with an analog amplifier. — Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 16 Oct. 2026 Dreyer converted from the penalty spot to open the scoring in the 20th minute. — ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026

Noun

Among the archives is the old Bible, written in the local Maragoli language, used by early Quakers and the first converts. — ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026 Wayne was born a Lutheran but became a faithful Roman Catholic, with the fervor typical of a convert. — Mike Hogan, Vanity Fair, 24 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for convert

Recent Examples of Synonyms for convert

Verb

All the pieces felt artisanal and unexpected, and downright couture level, which will continue to influence trends across the markets.

— Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
Semafor reported in 2023 on extensive, leaked Iranian government communications that revealed Iranian attempts to influence US politics.

— Ben Smith, semafor.com, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of influence

Verb

At Gucci, the iconic Horsebit takes center stage across bags, belts and shoes, transforming timeless house codes into powerful statement accessories.

— Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
Rather than simply copying that, but with a slab of batteries under the cabin, the Fiat Multiplay explores the idea of a vehicle that’s adaptable, transforming from a three-row people carrier to a pickup.

— Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of transform

Verb

This line of defense didn’t persuade Sweeney, who reasoned that adding athletes with expired eligibility would mean more, not less, market competition.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 13 Oct. 2026
The company’s reputation was built partly on persuading audiences to take chances on inexpensive, surprising horror outings — often with little more than a compelling premise to go on.

— Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of persuade

Verb

The continent’s political leaders must seize the moment to act, and not let this moment of Europtimism slide.

— Sophie Dembinski, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026
The latest conflict between the Saudis and the Houthis began last month after the rebels seized key areas along the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical waterway for oil shipments.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of seize

Noun

The Horned Frogs will need Hayward’s pass rushing expertise to harass Baylor junior quarterback DJ Lagway, a former five-star recruit that transferred in from Florida.

— Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Oct. 2026
At, 6-foot-3, 175 pounds, Marshall is a four-star recruit with 16 Power Four offers, according to 247Sports.

— PJ Green October 14, Kansas City Star, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of recruit

Noun

And what's wild is that the Coke drinking habit has another notable adherent.

— Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026
Since the administration kicked off its anti-AI doomerism social media campaign, taking particular aim at EA and its adherents’ belief that AI carries a high risk of ending humanity—anti-AI sentiment seems to have grown.

— Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of adherent

Verb

Other movies would have made a religious ideal of the suffering mother, attempted to proselytize its audiences, or wallowed in the melodramatic urge for a father figure.

— Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 15 Sep. 2026
Yet some European philosophers were intrigued by the monism of Vedanta philosophy, whereas Evangelical Christians saw the same monism as a foundation for proselytizing Christian monotheism.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of proselytize

Verb

Why a 'partial yield' works so quickly When your partner confronts you, some part of them is preemptively braced for the effort of convincing you.

— Mark Travers, CNBC, 11 Oct. 2026
Another challenge for James is convincing the public to trust her independence and judgment.

— Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of convince

Browse Nearby Words

conversions

convert

converted

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Style

“Convert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/convert. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of convert

verb

noun

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