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

• 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

This will involve more than only the likes of Circ and Reju innovating, Frisk said. —Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 22 Oct. 2025

Mitigate risk, learn and innovate The success rate of nonviolent civil resistance is declining while repressive tactics by autocrats are evolving. —Shelley Inglis, The Conversation, 19 Oct. 2025

Far from expanding opportunity, this excessive wealth locks millions out of the chance to innovate and build, weakening growth for all. —Scott Ellis, Time, 17 Oct. 2025

European startups are innovating across all five — from ICEYE’s all-weather surveillance satellites to cost-effective aerial defense systems from Cambridge Aerospace and Tytan Technologies to ARX Robotics’ modular ground robots. —Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2025

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