Synonyms of convert

convert 1 of 2

verb

kən-ˈvərt 

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

• influence
• proselytize
• propagate
• proselyte
• missionize
• brainwash
• sway

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• dissuade
• secularize

2

as in to transform

to change in form, appearance, or use

the old factory was converted into an apartment building

Synonyms & Similar Words

• transform
• transmute
• replace
• remodel
• metamorphose
• transfigure
• rework
• transpose
• adjust
• modify
• alter
• transubstantiate
• alchemize
• make over
• recast
• redesign
• redefine
• revise
• reengineer
• mutate
• refashion
• supplant
• regenerate
• deform
• distort
• redo
• remake
• disfigure
• transmogrify
• substitute
• revamp
• vary
• displace

3

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• persuade
• convince
• satisfy
• bring
• get
• induce
• move
• attract
• gain
• urge
• win (over)
• prevail (on or upon)
• talk (into)
• argue
• coax
• seduce
• entice
• bring around
• sell
• lure
• tempt
• cajole
• prompt
• exhort
• wheedle
• entreat
• sway
• influence
• lead on
• draw
• beguile
• brainwash
• discuss
• converse
• snow
• allure
• incline
• interest
• blandish
• fast-talk
• overpersuade
• dispute
• debate
• chew over
• moot
• reason (with)
• blarney
• hash (over)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• discourage
• deter
• dissuade
• unsell

4

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

• seize
• grab
• confiscate
• steal
• usurp
• occupy
• commandeer
• claim
• preempt
• appropriate
• invade
• assume
• annex
• take over
• pirate
• arrogate
• expropriate
• attach
• snatch
• press
• loot
• repossess
• grasp
• impound
• encroach
• despoil
• pillage
• trespass
• wrest
• embezzle
• infringe
• sequester
• wrench
• preoccupy
• misapply
• misuse
• collar
• misappropriate
• peculate

convert

2 of 2

noun

ˈkän-ˌvərt 

1

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

• recruit
• newcomer
• proselyte
• novice
• neophyte
• regenerate
• novitiate
• catechumen

2

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

• adherent
• disciple
• follower
• missionary
• apostle
• supporter
• devotee
• partizan
• acolyte
• student
• pupil
• liege man
• votary
• advocate
• soldier
• partisan
• votarist
• admirer
• scholar
• faithful
• fan
• epigone
• proselytizer
• worshiper
• protégé
• loyalist
• champion
• zealot
• worshipper
• camp follower
• enthusiast
• satellite
• minion
• cultist
• idolater
• sectarian
• flunkey
• idolator
• ideologist
• flunkie
• sycophant
• toady
• lackey
• henchman
• stooge
• backer
• idealogue
• ideologue
• lickspittle
• flunky
• myrmidon
• hanger-on
• apparatchik
• yes-man

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• leader
• renegade
• traitor
• coryphaeus
• defector
• apostate
• turncoat

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

Recent Examples of convert

Verb

The Yankees closer who converted to a starting pitcher with the Mets this season, Holmes has been healthy enough to make 19 starts so far this year and at times, has been the best starter on the staff. —Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 13 July 2025

Scientists are especially interested in brown fat because increasing its activity, or converting white fat into brown-like fat, could help people burn more calories and improve overall health. —New Atlas, 12 July 2025

Noun

Not long ago, Lyonne had an opportunity to speak with David Lynch, one of the giants of a previous generation of filmmakers and an early convert to digital cameras. —Lila Shapiro, Vulture, 4 June 2025

Despite a few recent converts, no one was there waiting to be convinced. —Bill Barrow, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2025