Synonym Chooser

How does the verb renovate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of renovate are refresh, rejuvenate, renew, and restore. While all these words mean "to make like new," renovate suggests a renewing by cleansing, repairing, or rebuilding.

the apartment has been entirely renovated

When is it sensible to use refresh instead of renovate?

While the synonyms refresh and renovate are close in meaning, 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 renovate?

While in some cases nearly identical to renovate, rejuvenate suggests the restoration of youthful vigor, powers, or appearance.

the change in jobs rejuvenated her spirits

When would renew be a good substitute for renovate?

The words renew and renovate 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

Where would restore be a reasonable alternative to renovate?

Although the words restore and renovate have much in common, restore implies a return to an original state after depletion or loss.

restored a fine piece of furniture

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 renovate Among projects being funded at least partially in the budget are Poway Center for the Performing Arts upgrades, including renovating an elevator, replacing leaking pipes and installing a safety net to protect performers on stage from falling into the orchestra pit. Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 June 2025 Since buying it for $10.3 million, a new owner, the real-estate developer Harry Macklowe, had set about renovating it according to his own tastes. Andrew Rice, Curbed, 26 June 2025 The Lowdown The private estate overlooking the Mediterranean was renovated by local architect Luc Svetchine, whose father, André, first restored the buildings 50 years ago. Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 22 June 2025 The town’s oldest inn was recently renovated, opening for the 2025 season in May with interiors designed by neighborhood-favorite Goods Ogunquit. Jacqueline Dole, Travel + Leisure, 15 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for renovate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for renovate
Verb
  • Since then, crews have been working to repair the damages to the grounds as quickly as possible.
    Christina House, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2025
  • The relationship has since been repaired, and the two leaders often speak, but there are still sharp points of contention, particularly over Trump's handling of Russia and Putin.
    Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • Opened in 1911 to replace a predecessor that burned down in 1909, it was rebuilt with a water tank as storage for future firefighting efforts, Shingle said.
    Rong-Gong Lin II, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2025
  • The original hotel, built in 1893, was located on Fifth Avenue and 34th Street, and in 1931 was rebuilt on a city block that stretches between Park and Lexington Avenues, and 49th and 50th Streets.
    Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 28 June 2025
Verb
  • Another team reconstructed remnants of eighth-century-C.E. boats to test on the Charente River in France.
    Nora Bradford, Scientific American, 25 June 2025
  • Now, students will embalm bodies and reconstruct faces in spacious labs equipped with high-tech mortuary tools.
    Calista Oetama, Sacbee.com, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • The current rumors are that Apple is willing to pay upwards of $20 billion for a startup to fix its AI strategy—potentially its largest acquisition ever.
    R. Scott Raynovich, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Turns out what landed him there wasn’t that serious: Beckham underwent a procedure to fix an old injury.
    Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 30 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Renovate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/renovate. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

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