convince

verb

con·​vince kən-ˈvin(t)s 

convinced; convincing

transitive verb

1

: to bring (as by argument) to belief, consent, or a course of action : persuade

convinced himself that she was all right

—William Faulkner

something I could never convince him to read

—John Lahr

2

obsolete

a

: to overcome by argument

b

: overpower, overcome

3

obsolete : demonstrate, prove

convincer noun

Synonyms

• argue
• bring
• bring around
• convert
• gain
• get
• induce
• move
• persuade
• prevail (on or upon)
• satisfy
• talk (into)
• win (over)

Examples of convince in a Sentence

He convinced me that the story was true.

They convinced us of their innocence.

I managed to convince myself that I was doing the right thing.

We convinced them to go along with our scheme.

I was unable to convince her to stay.

Recent Examples on the Web

Tesla’s strategy implosion, first reported by The Information, comes at an awkward time for the electric vehicle industry, which is trying to convince more people to drive on battery even as customer nerves about the inadequacies of the US public charging network persist. —Aarian Marshall, WIRED, 2 May 2024

In 1986, Doblin founded the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) to convince the medical establishment that MDMA—otherwise known as ecstasy—has a place in mental-health care thanks to its ability to help people open up and process trauma. —Jamie Ducharme, TIME, 2 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin convincere to refute, convict, prove, from com- + vincere to conquer — more at victor

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

convince

verb

con·​vince kən-ˈvin(t)s 

convinced; convincing

: to make a person agree or believe by arguing or showing evidence

convinced me it was true

convincer noun