Synonyms

modernize

American

[mod-er-nahyz] / ˈmɒd ərˌnaɪz /

especially British, modernise

verb (used with object)

modernized, modernizing

to make modern; give a new or modern character or appearance to: to modernize a kitchen.

to modernize one's ideas;
to modernize a kitchen.

Synonyms:

update, refurbish, renovate

verb (used without object)

modernized, modernizing

to become modern; adopt modern ways, views, etc.

modernize British

/ ˈmɒdəˌnaɪz /

verb

(tr) to make modern in appearance or style

to modernize a room
(intr) to adopt modern ways, ideas, etc

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

modernization noun
modernizer noun
overmodernize verb
remodernize verb
unmodernized adjective

Etymology

Origin of modernize

First recorded in 1740–50; modern(ism) + -ize

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.

Emerald Fennell has done an admirable job of not modernizing a dark and moody romance.

From The Wall Street Journal

At the Shah’s insistence, the country was Westernizing and modernizing, an exciting or frightening prospect depending on who you were.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Our ongoing strategic development program, which includes investments to modernize our critical infrastructure, will ensure our business continues to remain competitive in this global landscape,” Chan said.

From The Wall Street Journal

And you can’t just hit a magical AI button where everything gets modernized and rewritten.

From Barron's

China has also modernized its nuclear arsenal far faster.

From The Wall Street Journal

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023