modernize

play

verb mod·ern·ize \ ˈmä-dər-ˌnīz \

Definition of modernize

modernized; modernizing

transitive verb

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

intransitive verb

:to adopt modern ways

—

modernizer

noun

See modernize defined for English-language learners

See modernize defined for kids

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 of modernize from the Web

The county is expanding and modernizing that plant, but will still have to send wastewater to Kansas City for treatment while construction is underway.

— by roxie hammill, kansascity, "County commission passes $1 billion budget with barely a peep from residents," 25 Aug. 2017
In his remarks alongside Poroshenko, Mattis said the U.S. is committed to helping Ukraine build and modernize its armed forces.

— Bloomberg.com, "In Kiev, Mattis Says Moscow Wants to Redraw Borders By Force," 24 Aug. 2017
Susan Helper, the former chief economist of the U.S. Department of Commerce under the Obama administration, said, in a Congressional hearing about modernizing NAFTA in July.

— alana semuels, The Atlantic, "What Would a Better NAFTA Look Like?," 19 Aug. 2017
Modi and his party, the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party), have promised to expand and modernize the Indian military, which is essential if India is to project its power throughout the region.

— pradheep j. shanker, National Review, "India at 70: The Asian Tiger Rising," 15 Aug. 2017
Raising wages, lowering the cost of living, and modernizing the economy are not difficult to agree with.

— jamil smith, vanityfair.com, "Why the Democrats’ “Better Deal” Is Political Suicide," 11 Aug. 2017
Raising wages, lowering the cost of living, and modernizing the economy are not difficult to agree with.

— jamil smith, The Hive, "Why the Democrats’ “Better Deal” Is Political Suicide," 11 Aug. 2017
From the piece: Promises that the Olympics would modernize Rio and make its streets safer and favelas cleaner have also failed.

— paul daugherty, Cincinnati.com, "Paul Daugherty: Ditch the NCAA hypocrisy and let kids major in football," 10 Aug. 2017
In Kentucky, officials point to the success of the 8 million square-foot Toyota plant at Georgetown, where the company committed $1.3 billion earlier this year to upgrade and modernize the facility.

— grace schneider, The Courier-Journal, "Gov. Bevin: Kentucky will pursue $1.6B Mazda-Toyota factory, up to 4,000 jobs," 8 Aug. 2017

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.

First Known Use of modernize

1716

modernize Synonyms

Synonyms

contemporize, streamline, update

Related Words

recast, redesign, redevelop, redo, reengineer, refashion, remake, remodel, revamp, revise, rework

MODERNIZE Defined for English Language Learners

modernize

play

verb

Definition of modernize for English Language Learners

: to make (something) modern and more suited to present styles or needs
: to become modern : to begin using the newest information, methods, or technology