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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to transform

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

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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

The Associated Press Sophia Wilson converted a late penalty kick to pull the Portland Thorns into a 1-1 draw with Gotham FC on Friday night. — ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026 Barwiolek scores three minutes into the season opener at Waubonsie Valley and then converted a penalty kick in the second half, clinching a 2-1 nonconference victory for Geneva. — Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026

Noun

Both will be released in North America by Hong’s regular distributor The Cinema Guild; at this point the director may not be minting that many arthouse converts, but the new film will be warmly embraced by the faithful. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026 The nursing care that follows is what converts that result into a functional recovery. — Richard Menger Md Mpa, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for convert

Recent Examples of Synonyms for convert

Verb

All 350 potential scenarios are tailor-made, and some are influenced by real events, from both sides of the political divide.

— Will Barker, TheWeek, 26 Aug. 2026
There is a lot of money to be made in the influencing industry.

— Laura Jung, Vogue, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of influence

Verb

Reacher and Green run into a hotel and persuade the staff to lock the doors, claiming there’s an active shooter outside.

— Chris Klimek, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026
In March, one of DraftKings’ cofounders, Matthew Kalish, stepped down as president—but not before persuading the board to approve a series of potentially lucrative deals to benefit his new marketing company.

— Camila Grigera Naón, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of persuade

Verb

The Texas high school football season is underway, and several Fort Worth-area teams seized statement wins.

— Charles Baggarly August 29, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Aug. 2026
But while the Jets’ defense piled up takeaways, the rookie quarterback failed to seize the spotlight during the 23-6 loss to the Giants.

— Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of seize

Noun

And whenever this season ends, even if that’s after a 16-game run to the national championship game, this crop of recruits might play the least of any Freeman first-year haul.

— Pete Sampson, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
See top recruits, productive returners, underrated gems and more.

— Charles Baggarly August 26, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of recruit

Noun

Breitbart has also published an article skewering Hamilton for suggesting that adherents of other religions might get to Heaven.

— Bill McKibben, New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2026
Its adherents believe that the relentless pursuit of maximizing individual freedom and rights has come at the cost of community, religion, and traditional norms.

— Leonard A. Schuette, Foreign Affairs, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of adherent

Verb

Yet some European philosophers were intrigued by the monism of Vedanta philosophy, whereas Evangelical Christians saw the same monism as a foundation for proselytizing Christian monotheism.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 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

For good measure, Pabst’s social media updates took a tongue-in-cheek approach that may have actually convinced people the posts were more playful than actual pleas for help.

— Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026
Greyson said nearly five decades of studying near-death experiences has convinced him there is probably something after death.

— Michael Collins, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of convince

Browse Nearby Words

conversions

convert

converted

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

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Synonyms of convert

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noun

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