reinvent

verb

re·​in·​vent ˌrē-ən-ˈvent How to pronounce reinvent (audio)
reinvented; reinventing; reinvents
Synonyms of reinventnext

transitive verb

1
: to make as if for the first time something already invented
reinvent the wheel
2
: to remake or redo completely
3
: to bring into use again
reinvention
ˌrē-ən-ˈven(t)-shən How to pronounce reinvent (audio)
noun

Examples of reinvent in a Sentence

The candidate promised to reinvent Social Security. chefs who reinvent regional favorites using exotic ingredients
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.
Once synonymous with industry—Renault operated its enormous factory here for much of the 20th century—the island has been gradually reinventing itself as a cultural district. — Alessia Armenise, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Oct. 2026 The characters may have been rebuilt and their workflows reinvented, but their familiar identities remain the foundation. — Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 17 Oct. 2026 The embellishment reinvents a classic dress shoe style with Balenciaga’s edgy flair. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026 The promise of American socialism is still unfulfilled, but this is a country in which almost anything can be resisted, rethought, and reinvented. — Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reinvent

Word History

First Known Use

1686, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of reinvent was in 1686

Phrases Containing reinvent

Rhymes for reinvent

See All Rhymes for reinvent

Browse Nearby Words

reinvasion
reinvent
reinvent oneself
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reinvent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reinvent. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

reinvent

verb
re·​in·​vent ˌrē-ən-ˈvent How to pronounce reinvent (audio)
1
: to make as if for the first time something already invented
reinvent the wheel
2
: to remake or redo completely
reinvented his musical style
reinvention
-ˈven-chən How to pronounce reinvent (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on reinvent

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