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

Georgia Tech officials said preserving capacity while modernizing the fan experience was a key goal of the project. — Cbs News Atlanta Digital Team, CBS News, 24 June 2026

Since everyone was modernizing, albeit at different speeds, members of the Libby community did not have to fear the serious consequences of formal public rebuke and ostracization that happen in other Amish communities when a member breaks church rules. — Eythana Miller, The Dial, 23 June 2026

Rolapp has prioritized modernizing the Tour since he was appointed as CEO in June 2025 following a 22-year career at the NFL. — Dominic Chu, CNBC, 23 June 2026

Meanwhile, the pressure to modernize is increasing. — Laurent Charpentier, Forbes.com, 23 June 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