renovated; renovating
Synonyms of renovate

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

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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").

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.
The ballroom project, alongside his plans to renovate structures such as the Kennedy Center and the East Potomac Golf Links, has run into legal woes as Democrats and historic preservationists have mounted several lawsuits against the projects. Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 4 Sep. 2026 The family spent three years completely renovating the space, partnering with Milan’s Palomba e Serafini to create a restrained, contemporary space with bold features including a chic spiral staircase connecting the entrance to the mezzanine. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026 At the Ed Sullivan, renovated twice in the past three decades, most of that work has surely been done already. Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 3 Sep. 2026 The Miami Dolphins renovated their stadium years ago so the opposing sideline would always be in the sun. Zach Dean Outkick, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Renovate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/renovate. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

renovate

verb
renovated; renovating
: to make like new again : put in good condition
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