Synonyms of renovate

renovate

verb

ˈre-nə-ˌvāt 

as in to repair

to put into good shape or working order again

will have to renovate the house extensively before we can move in

Synonyms & Similar Words

• repair
• rebuild
• reconstruct
• fix
• restore
• overhaul
• patch
• revamp
• recondition
• adjust
• renew
• modify
• mend
• refurbish
• maintain
• help
• improve
• refresh
• doctor
• prepare
• revive
• aid
• condition
• regenerate
• fix up
• cure
• furbish
• heal
• revitalize
• ready
• freshen
• right
• rejuvenate
• service
• rectify
• enhance
• better
• enrich
• care (for)
• reform
• redress
• ameliorate
• correct
• refreshen
• meliorate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• hurt
• break
• ruin
• impair
• injure
• damage
• spoil
• harm
• wreck
• deface
• flaw
• mar
• disfigure
• vandalize
• mutilate
• cripple
• disable
• blemish
• maim
• mangle

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

Recent Examples of renovate

The Beaujolins fully renovated the building in 2001 and have decorated according to their tastes. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 29 Oct. 2026

The original downtown office is a three-story building that was extensively renovated in 2018. — Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 2026

The massive Congress Hall is being renovated as a space for art and theater. — Mark Sappenfield, Christian Science Monitor, 26 Oct. 2026

Expansion continues The university is now spending nearly $300 million to renovate a 170,000-square-foot building that sits on nine acres near Los Angeles International Airport. — Melody Petersen, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026

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