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renovate

verb

ren·​o·​vate ˈre-nə-ˌvāt How to pronounce renovate (audio)
renovated; renovating
Synonyms of renovatenext

transitive verb

1
: to restore to a former better state (as by cleaning, repairing, or rebuilding)
2
: to restore to life, vigor, or activity : revive
the church was renovated by a new ecumenical spirit
renovation
ˌre-nə-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce renovate (audio)
noun
renovative
ˈre-nə-ˌvā-tiv How to pronounce renovate (audio)
adjective
renovator
ˈre-nə-ˌvā-tər How to pronounce renovate (audio)
noun

Did you know?

What Is the Difference Between renovate, renew, and restore?

Renovate, renew, restore, refresh, and rejuvenate all mean to make like new. Renovate (a word ultimately derived from the Latin verb novare, meaning "to make new," itself a descendant of novus, meaning "new") suggests a renewing by cleansing, repairing, or rebuilding. Renew implies a restoration of what had become faded or disintegrated so that it seems like new ("efforts to renew the splendor of the old castle"). Restore suggests a return to an original state after depletion or loss ("restored a piece of furniture"). Refresh implies the supplying of something necessary to restore lost strength, animation, or power ("a refreshing drink"). Rejuvenate suggests the restoration of youthful vigor, powers, or appearance ("she was rejuvenated by her new job").

Synonyms of renovate

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Choose the Right Synonym for renovate

renew, restore, refresh, renovate, rejuvenate mean to make like new.

renew implies a restoration of what had become faded or disintegrated so that it seems like new.

efforts to renew the splendor of the old castle

restore implies a return to an original state after depletion or loss.

restored a fine piece of furniture

refresh implies the supplying of something necessary to restore lost strength, animation, or power.

a refreshing drink

renovate suggests a renewing by cleansing, repairing, or rebuilding.

the apartment has been entirely renovated

rejuvenate suggests the restoration of youthful vigor, powers, or appearance.

the change in jobs rejuvenated her spirits

Examples of renovate in a Sentence

It's an old factory that has been renovated as office space. We renovated the kitchen three years ago.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
It was last renovated in the 1990s by Andrés Balazs, who gave it a more contemporary feel without eliminating old-school charms. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Jan. 2026 Over the summer, neighbors noticed the vacant building was being renovated. —Gavin J. Quinton, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2026 The building complex, known as Hudson’s Detroit, is owned by a real estate company of Rocket Companies chairman and billionaire Dan Gilbert, who has been purchasing and renovating properties in Detroit for more than a decade. —Michael Wayland, CNBC, 11 Jan. 2026 Since leasing the property in 2004, the development firm has invested millions into renovating and maintaining the site, said Aleshire, who is still contracted by the city to conduct legal work. —Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 11 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for renovate

Word History

Etymology

Latin renovatus, past participle of renovare, from re- + novare to make new, from novus new — more at new

First Known Use

1535, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of renovate was in 1535

Rhymes for renovate

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Browse Nearby Words

renovascular
renovate
renovated butter
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Cite this Entry

“Renovate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/renovate. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.

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Kids Definition

renovate

verb
ren·​o·​vate ˈren-ə-ˌvāt How to pronounce renovate (audio)
renovated; renovating
: to make like new again : put in good condition
renovation
ˌren-ə-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce renovate (audio)
noun
renovator
ˈren-ə-ˌvāt-ər How to pronounce renovate (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on renovate

Nglish: Translation of renovate for Spanish Speakers

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