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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to transform

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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

Though Prince Harry and Meghan Markle may still dominate headlines, their latest Hollywood venture is raising questions about whether the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's names can convert all that attention into paying customers. — Christina Dugan Ramirez , Ashley Papa , Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 15 Aug. 2026 About 85 percent of the tower’s 643 units have been converted into Airbnbs since COVID struck in 2020. — Linda Robertson, Miami Herald, 15 Aug. 2026

Noun

The dress converts into five different looks, including a removable shawl that creates a strapless neckline, and took about nine months to make. — Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 27 July 2026 During digestion, cells in the intestines convert oleic acid into oleoylethanolamide (OEA). — Julie Scott, Verywell Health, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for convert

Recent Examples of Synonyms for convert

Verb

The outcome of this bellwether case is expected to significantly influence whether other states pursue similar legal actions against AI companies.

— Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
Despite typically lower participation, voters casting ballots Tuesday said the primary remains an important opportunity to influence which candidates advance to the general election.

— Sergio Candido, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of influence

Verb

The car is designed to transform throughout the show, serving not only as a car but also as a bed and a bench as the story moves between locations.

— Dillon Thomas, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
Bobby’s color palette is bizarre, and her idea of a sash that transforms into a shawl scarf is really cool but executed poorly.

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of transform

Verb

Topline Consumer prices rose as expected in July, according to Federal data published Wednesday, as analysts projected an in-line inflation report would likely persuade the Federal Reserve not to raise interest rates next month.

— Ty Roush, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Police called in crisis negotiators to persuade the man to surrender as firefighters extinguished the fire.

— Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of persuade

Verb

Messi had a shot saved at the beginning of the second half, but Palacios then sparked a move from one side of the pitch to the other as Nashville restored its lead in the 49th minute and seized control of the game.

— Dean Jones, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Biggs, 67, has seized on the refusal, repeatedly challenging Hobbs to debate and making her absence itself part of his campaign message.

— Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of seize

Noun

The 6-foot-5 cornerback is a former five-star recruit who had three interceptions as a freshman last season.

— ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026
Both junior investment bankers and senior banking veterans—including former Morgan Stanley managing director Alisha Lehr just last month—are among OpenAI’s latest recruits.

— Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of recruit

Noun

In the warmer months, old money adherents lean toward milky white polishes and pink pearl nails.

— Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 15 Aug. 2026
Internationally, the number of Druids is unclear but estimates suggest that the number is in the tens of thousands, with adherents concentrated principally in Europe and North America.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of adherent

Verb

History Johann Ludwig Krapf, a German pastor and Anglican missionary, arrived to proselytize in what is now Kenya in 1844.

— Stephanie TriplettAll, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Aug. 2026
Porter sketched Trotsky holding forth at a conference table, proselytizing to the American bureaucrats.

— Dan Chiasson, The New York Review of Books, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of proselytize

Verb

Global economic instability has created unease at home, and a property crisis coupled with high youth unemployment has convinced some residents that securing a stable job within the government is the best path.

— Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
The potential that convinced Aston Villa to bet on a young, raw talent was clear.

— Cerys Jones, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of convince

Browse Nearby Words

conversions

convert

converted

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

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

Copy Citation

Synonyms of convert

verb

noun

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on convert

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

balmy

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Is “GIF” Pronounced “Jiff” or “Giff”?

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes