modernize

verb

mod·ern·ize | \ ˈmä-dər-ˌnīz

modernized; modernizing

Definition of modernize

transitive verb

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

intransitive verb

: to adopt modern ways

Other Words from modernize Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about modernize

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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

His admirers, including President Donald Trump, see him as a charismatic partner determined to contain Iran and modernize Saudi Arabia’s closed and deeply conservative society. — Karen Elliott House, WSJ, "The Making of Saudi Arabia’s Energetic, Ruthless Crown Prince," 12 Apr. 2019 Starting Saturday, international travelers, beginning with passengers arriving from a Japan Airlines flight out of Tokyo, will be processed through San Diego’s modernized 130,000 square-foot arrivals facility. — Jennifer Van Grove, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Facial recognition tech speeds up customs at new San Diego airport facility," 28 June 2018 In a renovation project overseen by BSE Global -- whose credits include the Barclays Center and NYCB LIVE -- the 90-year-old theater will be modernized while keeping many of its existing features intact. — Lilly Milman, Billboard, "BSE Global & Long Island University Team Up to Revive Historic LIU Brooklyn Paramount Theatre," 21 June 2018 These weapons were announced in May 2018 as part of a package to modernize Russian tactical and strategic nuclear forces. — Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, "Putin’s New Missiles Are Having Decidedly Mixed Success," 25 Mar. 2019 As Major League Baseball continues to look for ways to modernize the game, there’s one trend that some hitters really hate: the shift. — Michael Salfino, WSJ, "The Hitters Hurt Most by the Shift," 22 Mar. 2019 We are disappointed by this outcome and the missed opportunity to modernize copyright for the digital age. — Russell Brandom, The Verge, "Wikimedia calls EU copyright directive ‘a missed opportunity’," 12 Sep. 2018 The city has worked for about a decade on a plan to modernize the swimming and diving complex. — Brittany Wallman, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Fort Lauderdale aquatics complex up for $27 million renovation," 10 July 2018 Promoting a more moderate form of Islam is one of the promises made by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman under plans to modernize the deeply conservative Muslim kingdom. — Staff, The Christian Science Monitor, "Saudi Arabia to reform education system and fight 'extremist ideologies'," 21 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'modernize.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.