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 bond would build 26 brand new schools, renovate and modernize all campuses, remove the 700 remaining portable classrooms and upgrade security. —Nathalie Marie Palacios, CBS News, 12 Apr. 2026

China’s push to modernize its tactical airlift fleet is gaining momentum with the emergence of its new medium-lift transport aircraft, commonly known as the Y-30 or Y-15. —Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 11 Apr. 2026

The throwback trend has been modernized and restyled with much more polish. —Lane Nieset, Travel + Leisure, 11 Apr. 2026

Valuing comfort above all else, this timeless silhouette can be modernized with various upholstery (including a few timely check variations) and wood shells. —Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 9 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