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

Richard’s mother, Anne Hajjar, serves as the Director of Hotels, working closely with designers to modernize properties while preserving the architectural character and sense of place that define the family’s style. —K.h. Koehler, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026

Until companies do the hard, expensive, unsexy work of cleaning up their data and modernizing their access controls, agents will keep hitting walls. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 28 Apr. 2026

Transportation officials say the ongoing closures are part of an effort to modernize signals and improve the reliability of subway service, with work expected to wrap in 2027. —Christina Fan, CBS News, 28 Apr. 2026

Cornelius endorsed the revitalization plan in 2022, which seeks to modernize the area and fix problems stemming from long-term neglect. —Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 28 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1716, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for modernize

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

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