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

• begin
• constitute
• establish
• found
• inaugurate
• initiate
• institute
• introduce
• launch
• pioneer
• plant
• set up
• start

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

And the real winners will be the ones who can innovate boldly—while staying resilient enough to navigate regulation, market volatility, and global demand. —Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025

While Dyson leaned into physical optimizations, T3’s Aire IQ took to innovating its drying technology. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 1 May 2025

Mike has fostered a collaborative environment with a team committed to building a formidable global business – innovating and trailblazing at every level. —Jem Aswad, Variety, 28 Apr. 2025

Today’s new moon in Taurus seeds a cycle of innovating your earning power. —Usa Today, USA Today, 27 Apr. 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