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

Haung talked about ordinary citizens coming together to draft regulatory frameworks, to inspire each other to innovate, and to celebrate progress. —John Werner, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026

But each season, the Kings innovate new items. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 15 May 2026

The 1990s saw Bilco diversify further, introducing window wells to its residential product line, while continuing to innovate through new products such as roof hatch safety railing systems and fire rated floor access doors, according to the company. —Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 14 May 2026

Ulta Beauty’s Lauren Brindley also touched on the importance of not just innovating — but innovating on multiple fronts, and fast. —Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 12 May 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