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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

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
If regulators streamline permitting, converting the site into a gasoline import terminal could be profitable and relatively quick, said Ryan Cummings of the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research and a former Biden administration economic adviser. Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2026 During ripening, pears develop aroma and flavor, convert starches to sugars, and soften from the inside out. Lynn Andriani, Martha Stewart, 8 Jan. 2026
Noun
Think of the Christian missionary who wonders why her prospective African converts have never heard of Jesus. Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025 Micro Over Macro The algorithm trained teams to chase macro reach (virality, follower counts, massive impressions), but in the post-algorithm era, that scale no longer converts. Sam Saideman, Rolling Stone, 28 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for convert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for convert
Verb
  • If this trend continues, the GOP could see losses in the November 2026 midterms, thus affecting the balance of power in Congress and the party's ability to influence key policies and legislation.
    Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
  • This car is a rolling research platform, validating materials and aero solutions that will influence future hypercar engineering.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Based on a true story, Sweeney transformed her body to play Christy Martin, who helped legitimize women’s boxing.
    Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Gothictor Knee-high Boots Few pieces transform an outfit as easily as knee-high boots.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 8 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • For their part, Samuel Adams and Paul Revere each worked hard to persuade Irishmen, Hessians, Indigenous people, and former slaves to defect to the patriot side.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025
  • The Running Point actress was spotted shopping for holiday presents last December with a hands-free bag strapped across her body, and just one 12-second TikTok clip persuaded us to dole out some change on a purse that’s just like hers.
    Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • On Iowa State’s next possession, TCU senior safety Bud Clark came up with a massive interception right before the two-minute timeout, giving TCU a great opportunity to seize control of the game with the Horned Frogs getting the ball at halftime.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Pokrovsk would be the largest city Russia has seized since Bakhmut in May 2023.
    Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The former four-star recruit originally picked Ole Miss before transferring to South Carolina before the 2023 season.
    Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 6 Jan. 2026
  • The 5-foot-11, 195-pound Smothers is a former four-star recruit who started his career at Oklahoma before transferring to NC State before the 2024 season.
    Sam Khan Jr, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • To symbolize this united centrist front, adherents of The Change fly American flags that have been reconfigured to place the field of stars smack in the middle of the stripes.
    Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Academics cite Wallace’s story as one of the catalysts behind a fringe concept that has spread among adherents to the Make America Healthy Again, or MAHA, movement and is gaining traction at the highest levels of the federal government.
    Stephanie Armour, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Kennedy once expressed different views — for example, about the need to proselytize about exercise.
    Darius Tahir, USA Today, 3 Dec. 2025
  • And Musk, with his empire of tech companies and unprecedented wealth, has a singular power to proselytize.
    Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 28 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • But Weber was always convinced that what his apparatuses were seeing was a real signal.
    Big Think, Big Think, 7 Nov. 2025
  • The designations helped the campaign figure out which kinds of ads would appeal to certain voters — and convince them to go to the polls or stay home.
    David Smiley, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Convert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/convert. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.

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