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

Ultimately, FirstEnergy did not convince the Department of Energy to give it a bailout, but the Ohio Legislature did. —Jessie Balmert, The Enquirer, 22 Nov. 2024

Many Democrats had convinced themselves before the election that this was their year. —Joanna Allhands, The Arizona Republic, 22 Nov. 2024

These experiences have convinced me that group fitness classes are the best place to make friends as an adult—an idea supported by research that suggests that the glow of exercise’s feel-good chemicals has interpersonal benefits. —Mikala Jamison, The Atlantic, 20 Nov. 2024

Hiring managers are often convinced that there must be an underlying issue prompting such a move. —Jack Kelly, Forbes, 20 Nov. 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