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

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

The Seminoles needed to convert a fourth-and-21 to keep the game alive. — Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026 Wagler had an assist on his first touch and converted a savvy layup for his first career points. — Joaquin Ruiz, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026

Noun

In the alkaline stream, calcium in the seawater converts CO₂ into calcium carbonate, the durable compound seashells are made of. — Alec Luhn, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026 Tryptophan is the amino acid your body converts into serotonin and, eventually, melatonin. — Patsy Anthony, Vogue, 19 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for convert

Recent Examples of Synonyms for convert

Verb

As voters decide which party can best rescue their chance at the American Dream, political experts say prolonged economic hardship is the defining feature influencing voters in the midterms.

— Amy L. Wong, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026
Over the last two years Chuwi has traveled around the globe, and the foursome confirm that will influence their next project.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of influence

Verb

Since then, a growing movement across North America is attempting to transform ecological menaces into culinary commodities, from Florida to Hawai’i, British Columbia, Maine, and the Mississippi River basin.

— Victoria Malloy, Time, 21 Oct. 2026
Sabbagh predicts this could transform the space industry from having less than 10 million users of mobile satellite services to being able to reach billions of users.

— Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of transform

Verb

The university admissions replacement system still has to be designed, and legal changes may be needed — leaving crucial decisions unresolved even as the government seeks to persuade students to end their protests.

— Thomas Adamson, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
The challenge was not simply to persuade undecided voters, but to get those who already preferred him to show up at the polls.

— Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of persuade

Verb

Experts worry federal law enforcement could potentially use those false claims — or others generated this year — as pretext to try to seize ballots during the counting period, or interfere in the process in some other way.

— Miles Parks, NPR, 22 Oct. 2026
Those weaknesses could enable cybercriminals to seize control of unprotected website servers, install malware, pilfer customer data and even take sites down completely.

— Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of seize

Noun

The Roos were early with their offer but were quickly surpassed as Crooks became one of the top recruits in the country.

— PJ Green October 21, Kansas City Star, 21 Oct. 2026
That came a day after a strike on a government military camp killed 73 recruits and wounded more than 200.

— Olivia Gazis, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of recruit

Noun

But experts and adherents alike warn that this idea fails to reckon with how different traditions and worldviews can often contradict one another.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026
And what's wild is that the Coke drinking habit has another notable adherent.

— Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of adherent

Verb

Other movies would have made a religious ideal of the suffering mother, attempted to proselytize its audiences, or wallowed in the melodramatic urge for a father figure.

— Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 15 Sep. 2026
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

Definition of proselytize

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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 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of convert

verb

noun

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