innovate

verb

in·​no·​vate ˈi-nə-ˌvāt How to pronounce innovate (audio)
innovated; innovating
Synonyms of innovate

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 How to pronounce innovate (audio)
noun
innovatory
ˈi-nə-və-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce innovate (audio)
ˈi-nə-ˌvā-tə-rē
adjective

Synonyms of innovate

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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
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.
Connecting the right people with the right information in a collaborative culture ensures fertile ground for teams to innovate within their organizations. — Michael Muthukrishna, Fortune, 23 July 2026 Shleifer later argued that private ownership is generally preferable in industries where firms must constantly innovate and keep costs low to remain competitive. — James Broughel, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026 Students are encouraged to build contraptions and innovate to solve problems. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 21 July 2026 For brands, the race to innovate is increasingly about proving results, not just launching something new. — Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for innovate

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of innovate was in 1548

Rhymes for innovate

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Browse Nearby Words

innovant
innovate
innovation
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Innovate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/innovate. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

innovate

verb
in·​no·​vate ˈin-ə-ˌvāt How to pronounce innovate (audio)
innovated; innovating
: to introduce something new
innovate a new website
: do something in a new way
innovative
-ˌvāt-iv
adjective
innovator
-ˌvāt-ər How to pronounce innovate (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on innovate

Nglish: Translation of innovate for Spanish Speakers

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