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

Its success convinced officials to move forward with plans to turn Starlight into a full-scale outdoor theater, and its 10-show inaugural season proceeded in 1951. —Dan Kelly, Kansas City Star, 15 May 2025

Once children were in an orphanage, parents could be convinced – or coerced – into relinquishing them for adoption. —Time, 15 May 2025

His father just loved him and convinced him everything’s possible; in an Italian [household], these are clichés. —Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 15 May 2025

However, despite the growing interest in this treatment, Dr. Rahman is not convinced of its efficacy. —Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2025

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

Rhymes for convince

• evince
• mince
• prince
• quince
• rinse
• since
• wince

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