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

The expert said states can move quickly, focus on what’s important, and borrow and learn from each other when innovating on AI regulation. —Lorena O’Neil, Rolling Stone, 21 Mar. 2026

Lenzing met its 2025 goal of innovating a new circular business model for post-consumer materials by partnering with 15 supply chain companies to organize post-consumer value chain steps. —Sj Studio, Sourcing Journal, 19 Mar. 2026

Instead of being a career threat, Nvidia leader Jensen Huang said that AI gives his peers wings in an industry innovating at breakneck speed. —Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 19 Mar. 2026

Also, as the industry innovated, single wells could reach farther requiring fewer wells. —Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 18 Mar. 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
• adsorbate
• aggravate
• agitate
• alginate
• alienate
• allocate
• amputate

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