proselytize
Americanverb (used with or without object)
verb
Other Word Forms
- proselytistic adjective
- proselytization noun
- proselytizer noun
Etymology
Origin of proselytize
Compare meaning
How does proselytize compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
To proselytize is to try to persuade someone to switch to your religious beliefs or your way of living. If you are going to proselytize, try not to be too pushy! The word proselytize can specifically refer to religious evangelism, as in: "Proselytizing is a fundamental component of Mormonism." Proselytize, however, can also be used for any situation when people are trying to convince others to try something or to join something. TV ads proselytize about the pleasures of life with mouthwash, friends proselytize about how great their favorite video games are, and parents proselytize about the benefits of eating vegetables.
Vocabulary lists containing proselytize
Human Geography - High School
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Educated
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Divergent
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Aster is careful not to pass judgment or overtly proselytize, favoring a mode of storytelling that gets as close to the truth as possible while leading with objectivity.
From Salon • Jul. 20, 2025
“There’s no proselytizing because our church doesn’t proselytize or try to convert anyone — they just talk.”
From Seattle Times • Dec. 11, 2023
I’m not here to proselytize, but if you have a hankering to join in on the photo fun, tools like Wikishootme show you nearby landmarks that need photos.
From Slate • Oct. 5, 2023
“As tourism has been growing, it’s also an opportunity – not to proselytize, but to discover the deep meaning of what they can see,” Turull said.
From Washington Times • Jul. 20, 2023
Our policy was to be friendly, to take an interest, to compliment them on their achievements, but not to proselytize.
From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
