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

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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

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

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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

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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

Warburton said his mother didn't easily give up on her goal of converting Jerry Seinfeld to Catholicism. — Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 8 Aug. 2026 Hunt converted 34 of 40 short-yardage attempts (85%), twice the amount of first downs as any other running back in the NFL on short yardage. — Sam McDowell 7, Kansas City Star, 7 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 lockup calendar A key event on Thursday could influence the stock’s near-term moves.

— John Towfighi, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
The solitude at the end of the world definitely influenced Shearwater’s sound, as this new record is among the most spare and reflective in Meiburg’s career.

— David Harris, SPIN, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of influence

Verb

Insilico is showing how companies can move from an impressive AI proof of concept to the infrastructure, platforms and business models needed to transform an entire industry.

— Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
In time—if the proof is found, if biological intelligence is discovered in the void—we may all be transformed the same way.

— Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of transform

Verb

Ted was genuinely out of his depth, the conflicts felt earned, and the show still had to persuade audiences that its relentless optimism wasn’t naïve.

— Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 5 Aug. 2026
The research body also found that as part of the same effort, the agent tried to contact real people directly, sending messages and files to persuade them to run malicious code.

— Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of persuade

Verb

At home, Indian authorities moved aggressively, seizing his properties and luxury assets, from high-end cars to jewelry and artworks.

— Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026
President Min Aung Hlaing, the former army chief who had originally seized power in 2021 from Suu Kyi’s civilian government, has been trying to win political legitimacy since the takeover and resume relations with ASEAN.

— ABC News, ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of seize

Noun

Across the street, dozens Los Angeles County firefighter recruits jogged at the Del Valle Regional Training Center, pushing through the inescapable aroma of trash in the air.

— Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026
McGee has played the most with 20 appearances the past two seasons, while Strickland was a former four-star recruit who played in four games last year.

— Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of recruit

Noun

In turn, schools like the Forge birthed a new military archetype, whose adherents were often privileged, scrappy, and damaged—just as Holden Caulfield was.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Aug. 2026
Modi’s father, Deepak Modi, established his own diamond business in Antwerp, where the Palanpuri Jains, adherents of the Jain faith, helped reshape the industry.

— Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 9 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

Could he have been convinced to help the Ukrainian war effort another way?

— Isabelle Chapman, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
The Russian leader, Dickinson says, might be convinced that if a democratic system were allowed to take hold in Russia, that could mark the end of Putin’s rule and perhaps even the break-up of the Russian Federation.

— Kevin Holden Platt, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of convince

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conversions

convert

converted

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Style

“Convert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/convert. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of convert

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noun

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