RESTORE Synonyms: 38 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'restore' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of restore are refresh , rejuvenate , renew , and renovate . While all these words mean "to make like new," restore implies a return to an original state after depletion or loss. // restored a fine piece of furniture

Q: When would 'refresh' be a good substitute for 'restore'?

The words refresh and restore are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, refresh implies the supplying of something necessary to restore lost strength, animation, or power. // a refreshing drink

Q: When is 'rejuvenate' a more appropriate choice than 'restore'?

While the synonyms rejuvenate and restore are close in meaning, rejuvenate suggests the restoration of youthful vigor, powers, or appearance. // the change in jobs rejuvenated her spirits

Q: When might 'renew' be a better fit than 'restore'?

The words renew and restore can be used in similar contexts, but 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

Q: When is it sensible to use 'renovate' instead of 'restore'?

The meanings of renovate and restore largely overlap; however, renovate suggests a renewing by cleansing, repairing, or rebuilding. // the apartment has been entirely renovated

restore

verb

ri-ˈstȯr

Definition of restore

as in to revive

to bring back to a former condition or vigor restore an old car

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in to return

to bring, send, or put back to a former or proper place restored the trophy to its proper place at the center of the shelf

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

take
remove

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb restore differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of restore are refresh, rejuvenate, renew, and renovate. While all these words mean "to make like new," restore implies a return to an original state after depletion or loss.

restored a fine piece of furniture

When would refresh be a good substitute for restore?

The words refresh and restore are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, refresh implies the supplying of something necessary to restore lost strength, animation, or power.

a refreshing drink

When is rejuvenate a more appropriate choice than restore?

While the synonyms rejuvenate and restore are close in meaning, rejuvenate suggests the restoration of youthful vigor, powers, or appearance.

the change in jobs rejuvenated her spirits

When might renew be a better fit than restore?

The words renew and restore can be used in similar contexts, but 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

When is it sensible to use renovate instead of restore?

The meanings of renovate and restore largely overlap; however, renovate suggests a renewing by cleansing, repairing, or rebuilding.

the apartment has been entirely renovated

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of restore Full service was being restored at the end of last week, but Zelensky said Monday that the restrictions are still slowing Ukraine’s drones along the front. — Samya Kullab, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026 Officials rushed to restore order after rioters torched buildings and smashed storefronts, in a fraught political climate ahead of next year's presidential election. — Ellen Francis, Washington Post, 19 Oct. 2026 Houston responded with Jawhar Jordan’s 25-yard touchdown run to restore a 10-point lead, 31-21, late in the third quarter. — ABC News, 18 Oct. 2026 Goldhirsh and Bouchon say the payphones project has restored their faith in the country at what feels like a pivotal time. — Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for restore

Recent Examples of Synonyms for restore

Verb

Ethiopia and Eritrea revive old tensions and grievances Ethiopian authorities accuse the TPLF of seeking an alliance with Eritrea to destabilize Ethiopia, potentially bringing together enemies from the previous war.

— KHALED KAZZIHA, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2026
As hopes to revive it fizzled, enthusiasm to turn the corridor into a long-distance trail climbed.

— Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of revive

Verb

Google’s November 13, 2025 holiday shopping update began rolling out agentic checkout and emphasized the scale of its Shopping Graph, with more than 50 billion product listings and 2 billion refreshed every hour.

— Lauren Schuster, Sacbee.com, 16 Oct. 2026
What could be next Secondhand clothing and inexpensive accessories offer plenty of ways to refresh a wardrobe without starting over.

— Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of refresh

Verb

The diversification strategy was on display last week, when the Montreal Port Authority (MPA) renewed its 2018 collaboration agreement with India’s Adani Group, the conglomerate that operates several Indian seaports including Mundra Port.

— Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2026
The property sits on a long-term lease held by the federal government, last renewed for 20 years in 2021.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of renew

Verb

During the hearing, which ended without a decision, Reyes chastised the government attorneys, who had previously told the court that renovating the links was still in its conceptual stage.

— Rachel Treisman, NPR, 19 Oct. 2026
The historical society has already started researching what the house would’ve looked like in the 1940s and talking with community leaders about raising money to renovate and maintain the home, Siesel said.

— John Seewer, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of renovate

Browse Nearby Words

restorative

restore

restored

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Restore.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restore. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of restore

verb

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