modernize

verb

mod·​ern·​ize ˈmä-dər-ˌnīz 

modernized; modernizing

transitive verb

: to make modern (as in taste, style, or usage)

modernize a kitchen

intransitive verb

: to adopt modern ways

Older companies need to modernize to survive in the new economy.

modernizer noun

Synonyms of modernize

• redesign
• update
• streamline
• remake

Examples of modernize in a Sentence

We're modernizing our kitchen with a new oven, refrigerator, and dishwasher.

The country recently announced plans to begin modernizing its army.

The school needs a building with modernized classrooms.

Older companies will need to modernize quickly if they are to survive in today's economy.

Recent Examples on the Web

Japan is, meantime, growing and modernizing its military at pace not seen in modern times as the post-Cold War stability ensured by the US military frays. — Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026

In the United States, these efforts should begin with a congressional appropriation of funds to refill and modernize the depleted Strategic Petroleum Reserve, now at its lowest level in nearly five decades. — Jason Bordoff, Foreign Affairs, 14 Aug. 2026

Efforts are underway to modernize and bring new experiences to Atlanta's iconic Bank of America Plaza. — T.j. Anthony, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026

By my final year of high school in 2015, most of these restrictions were lifted; the following year, Saudi Vision 2030 was announced, setting the country on its current modernizing course. — Manal Albarakati, semafor.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1716, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for modernize

• advertise
• aggrandize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize
• butterflies

Kids Definition

modernize

verb

mod·​ern·​ize ˈmäd-ər-ˌnīz 

modernized; modernizing

: to make or become modern

especially : to change to suit present styles, tastes, or needs

modernization

ˌmäd-ər-nə-ˈzā-shən

noun

modernizer

ˈmäd-ər-ˌnī-zər

noun