innovate

verb

in·​no·​vate ˈi-nə-ˌvāt 

innovated; innovating

intransitive verb

: to make changes : do something in a new way

transitive verb

1

: to introduce as or as if new

2

archaic : to effect a change in

The dictates of my father were … not to be altered, innovated, or even discussed …

—Sir Walter Scott

innovator

ˈi-nə-ˌvā-tər 

noun

innovatory

ˈi-nə-və-ˌtȯr-ē 

ˈi-nə-ˌvā-tə-rē

adjective

Synonyms of innovate

• establish
• pioneer
• initiate
• create
• introduce
• launch
• found
• institute

Examples of innovate in a Sentence

The company plans to continue innovating and experimenting.

The company innovated a new operating system.

Recent Examples on the Web

The transformation arrives as PwC accelerates its global AI initiatives, including investments in generative AI capabilities designed to reshape how clients operate, innovate and create value. — Slma Shelbayah, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026

One citizen initiative in France – l’Heure Civique (Civic Hour) – has innovated a flexible, somewhat minimalist approach to do just that. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 25 June 2026

When a stadium is not readily available, fans innovate. — Chris Lau, CNN Money, 24 June 2026

June 24, 2026 Today’s leaders need to be able to innovate over and over again despite fast-changing market conditions and a multitude of other uncertainities. — Harvard Business Review, 24 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin innovatus, past participle of innovare, from in- + novus new — more at new

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for innovate

• abdicate
• abrogate
• acetate
• activate
• actuate
• aggravate
• agitate
• alginate
• alienate
• allocate
• amputate
• angulate

Kids Definition

innovate

verb

in·​no·​vate ˈin-ə-ˌvāt 

innovated; innovating

: to introduce something new

innovate a new website

: do something in a new way

innovative

-ˌvāt-iv

adjective

innovator

-ˌvāt-ər 

noun