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

Which sounds naff, but a great company is just actually a collection of processes that [also allow people to] innovate and change and collaborate. — Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 18 Sep. 2026

Use uncertain times to listen more closely to your clients, innovate around their biggest challenges and show how your work drives measurable ROI. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026

The intense competitive pressure among AI firms, which have a much stronger incentive to innovate quickly than to ensure their innovations are safe, enhances the case further. — Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 14 Sep. 2026

Reflection is rare, particularly for an artist who has repeatedly innovated their sound. — Thomas Smith, Billboard, 11 Sep. 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