as in to convert
to persuade to change to one's religious faith
the efforts of early missionaries to proselytize the Native Americans of Minnesota were largely unproductive
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Recent Examples of proselytize
The suit, which hopes to overturn the law, argues that the city’s ordinance violates the First Amendment and does not apply to other forms of speech, like a political candidate asking for support or a church member proselytizing.
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Vivienne Serret, Miami Herald, 28 May 2025
However, state officials argue that the Catholic Charities Bureau does not qualify because its services—such as caring for the elderly and disabled—are not overtly religious or tied to proselytizing.
—Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025
And Justice Elena Kagan pointed out that some religions proselytize and some don’t.
—Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2025
Scherzer has been proselytizing his argument for several years, as M.L.B. has continued to study the issue with what appears to be more intellectual curiosity than urgency.
—Bruce Schoenfeld Robert Fass Tanya Pérez Brian St. Pierre, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for proselytize
Vivienne Serret, Miami Herald, 28 May 2025
However, state officials argue that the Catholic Charities Bureau does not qualify because its services—such as caring for the elderly and disabled—are not overtly religious or tied to proselytizing.
—Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025
And Justice Elena Kagan pointed out that some religions proselytize and some don’t.
—Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2025
Scherzer has been proselytizing his argument for several years, as M.L.B. has continued to study the issue with what appears to be more intellectual curiosity than urgency.
—Bruce Schoenfeld Robert Fass Tanya Pérez Brian St. Pierre, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for proselytize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proselytize
convert
Verb
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Through these innovations, the Sierra Energy has demonstrated a comprehensive, closed-loop solution for converting waste into clean energy and reusable materials—paving the way for a more sustainable future in both transportation and energy production.—
David Blekhman,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
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And while consumer awareness is growing, education is still needed; overly complex terpene profiles can confuse rather than convert new buyers.—
Peter Su,
Rolling Stone,
15 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Proselytize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proselytize. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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