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

Across the globe, corporations are learning that rather than trying to innovate in isolation, collaboration is the key to success. — Anis Uzzaman, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

Part of what makes barbecue’s third wave unique is that many of its rising stars are not beholden to tradition, says Garate, and thus more easily able to innovate. — Charlie Kolodziej, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 July 2026

While other countries face political instability, civic unrest, and double-digit unemployment rates, our economy continues to innovate and grow. — Timothy Templet, Fortune, 27 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

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