modernize
verb
mod·ern·ize
ˈmä-dər-ˌnīz 
modernized; modernizing
: to make modern (as in taste, style, or usage)
: to adopt modern ways
modernizer
noun
Examples of modernize in a Sentence
We're modernizing our kitchen with a new oven, refrigerator, and dishwasher.
The country recently announced plans to begin modernizing its army.
The school needs a building with modernized classrooms.
Older companies will need to modernize quickly if they are to survive in today's economy.
Recent Examples on the Web
Despite the increasing urgency to modernize finance and meet regulatory expectations, the same problems keep recurring.
—
Rahul Bhatia, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025
The surge in funding comes as President Donald Trump has proposed an increase in defense spending, with a focus on modernizing military capabilities and opening opportunities beyond the legacy defense sector.
—Julia Boorstin, CNBC, 10 June 2025
Japan has also struggled in recent years to modernize government record systems that use floppy disks.
—ArsTechnica, 9 June 2025
The construction transforming so many neighborhoods throughout the five boroughs will create affordable housing for a growing population, modernize our aging infrastructure to avoid outages and breaks, and build a more livable and resilient city for all to enjoy.
—Thomas Foley, New York Daily News, 9 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for modernize
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.
Rahul Bhatia, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025
The surge in funding comes as President Donald Trump has proposed an increase in defense spending, with a focus on modernizing military capabilities and opening opportunities beyond the legacy defense sector.
—Julia Boorstin, CNBC, 10 June 2025
Japan has also struggled in recent years to modernize government record systems that use floppy disks.
—ArsTechnica, 9 June 2025
The construction transforming so many neighborhoods throughout the five boroughs will create affordable housing for a growing population, modernize our aging infrastructure to avoid outages and breaks, and build a more livable and resilient city for all to enjoy.
—Thomas Foley, New York Daily News, 9 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for modernize
Cite this Entry
“Modernize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/modernize. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
modernize
verb
mod·ern·ize
ˈmäd-ər-ˌnīz
modernized; modernizing
: to make or become modern
especially
: to change to suit present styles, tastes, or needs
modernization
noun
ˌmäd-ər-nə-ˈzā-shən
modernizer
noun
ˈmäd-ər-ˌnī-zər
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share