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

The fund would modernize the state’s 911 services to keep up with today’s technology, like allowing callers to send text messages, pictures and videos to emergency dispatchers. — Sophia Eppley, AJC.com, 10 Aug. 2026

The British government has backed the plans, arguing that modernizing the docks could create skilled employment and help Falmouth compete for new maritime business. — David Nikel, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026

Lagerfeld and the expansion to fashion In 1965 the Fendi sisters brought on Lagerfeld as Fendi’s first artistic director in order to modernize the fur line. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Aug. 2026

Michael Palladino, a lecturer in fashion at City University of New York Kingsborough, argued that companies need to modernize outdated ideas about what professional dress should look like. — Preston Fore, Fortune, 7 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