convert 1 of 2

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

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
Chemical sunscreens use ingredients like avobenzone, octisalate, or octocrylene to absorb UV rays and convert them into heat. Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 24 Apr. 2026 Alcatraz began as a military fortress and lighthouse, then became a military prison, converted to civilian use in 1933. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 24 Apr. 2026
Noun
In the world of knots, a polynomial converts measurements on a knot into a combination of numbers and variables raised to powers, such as 3x7 + 8. Erica Klarreich, Quanta Magazine, 22 Apr. 2026 Reducing treatment cost The bacterial strain converts carbon dioxide and hydrogen into 99 percent pure methane or renewable natural gas. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 22 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for convert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for convert
Verb
  • The departure of the United Arab Emirates will deliver a blow to the cartel that could jeopardize its ability to influence the global oil market.
    Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Lengthy prison sentences imposed years after the crime may not influence other individuals making split-second decisions in volatile situations.
    Andrew S. Boutros, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • To some extent, the cool commercial logic of the fashion industry—which transforms beautiful, original works into cheaply reproducible goods, season after season—echoes that of Hollywood, which regularly cannibalizes and, yes, franchises its greatest successes.
    Justin Chang, New Yorker, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Set to debut this September, Kerrigan's forthcoming book aims to transform women's approach to dating by working to establish better standards, self-worth and confidence.
    Staff Author Updated, PEOPLE, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Somehow the estate managed to persuade HBO to come to an amicable settlement.
    Martha Ross, Mercury News, 24 Apr. 2026
  • In the end, county officials were persuaded to act.
    Anna Clark, ProPublica, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • That collapse is spurred not just by Napoleon, but also outside pressure from the human-run Pilkington Corporation, intent on reclaiming the freedom that these precious cartoon animals just seized.
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Israel and Egypt have imposed varying degrees of a blockade on Gaza since Hamas seized power from rival Palestinian forces in 2007.
    ABC News, ABC News, 30 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Once an elite recruit, Klubnik entered the 2025 season as a Heisman Trophy contender before a down year diminished his draft stock.
    Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
  • In four seasons as South Dakota State’s starter, the former no-star recruit led the Jackrabbits to three FCS national championship games (two wins) and set several school records before joining the Hawkeyes last season.
    Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • He’d been struck that the Milwaukee branch of the adherents to his cause were forever boasting about their superior sanitation systems.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 19 Apr. 2026
  • TikTok obsessives, wellness-culture adherents, and misinformation junkies all end up in need of care.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 17 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Opponents have argued that hanging the Ten Commandments in classrooms proselytizes to students and amounts to religious indoctrination by the government.
    ABC News, ABC News, 21 Apr. 2026
  • For the other Massachusetts millenials out there, Bertucci’s (and those of us who proselytize it) did get a shoutout.
    Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 15 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • According to Tally, the actor's daughter convinced him the film would be too controversial.
    Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2026
  • The Victory Tour Featured All Six Jackson Siblings The final act of Michael is devoted to Joseph’s desperate attempts to convince Michael to tour with his brothers after the success of Thriller.
    Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 25 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Convert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/convert. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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