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 But ongoing fiscal challenges at the department, including two years of massive budget cuts to the DDA, may limit the department’s ability to restore those funds. — Danielle J. Brown, Baltimore Sun, 1 Sep. 2026 The group uncovers betrayal within its own ranks and faces a battle for the fate of the world, ultimately awakening their true powers and restoring peace, though a new threat emerges quietly in the shadows. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 1 Sep. 2026 Conveniently positioned between Marylebone and St John’s Wood, the spread elegantly balances old with new and has been restored to an extremely high standard. — Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 1 Sep. 2026 Vinegar helps strip away this invisible layer, restoring your things closer to their original state. — Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for restore

Recent Examples of Synonyms for restore

Verb

Oil's surge also revived rate-hike jitters, snapping the market's otherwise calm run through a fifth straight winning month.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026
Mitsubishi is reviving its Pajero nameplate as a flagship three-row SUV for the 2027 model year.

— Charles Singh, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of revive

Verb

Credit line reviews typically follow monthly or quarterly cycles; attrition models are refreshed periodically and applied in batch.

— Julie Conroy, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Some viewers had to refresh the page after receiving error messages, indicating high usage levels.

— Jenni Reid,Alex Buckmaster, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of refresh

Verb

Other goals, like a lactation room, upgrading the fire alarm system to a voice evacuation system for the whole building and replacing the elevator came later.

— Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 30 Aug. 2026
Summary Despite the digital shift, leading retailers are leveraging AI to enhance human customer connections, not replace them.

— John Hall, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of replace

Verb

The actor currently stars in Guy Ritchie’s The Gentlemen, the second season of which premiered today on Netflix and has already been renewed for a third.

— Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Sep. 2026
Right now, Congress is mulling whether to renew the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act (CISA) of 2015, which seemingly is the sole legal basis allowing AI firms to share information with the government through GOLD EAGLE, the complaint said.

— Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of renew

Verb

Molly Berry, the founder of the Luna Zorro textile brand, recently renovated a two-room guesthouse in the heart of Antigua, Guatemala, with textiles handwoven by artisan partners and locally made ceramics, lighting, and woodwork.

— Jen Murphy, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 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

Definition of renovate

Browse Nearby Words

restorative

restore

restored

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Restore.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restore. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of restore

verb

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