modernize
verb
mod·ern·ize
ˈmä-dər-ˌnīz 
modernized; modernizing
: to make modern (as in taste, style, or usage)
modernize a kitchen
: to adopt modern ways
Older companies need to modernize to survive in the new economy.
modernizer
noun
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
Ever up for reinvention, Florence is modernizing.
—
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Feb. 2026
This initiative marks the first phase of a broader effort to modernize urban lighting with LED technology, significantly improving visibility and walkability throughout the district.
—Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 20 Feb. 2026
Viganò, who is the Vatican’s former ambassador to the United States, was excommunicated in 2024 for refusing to recognize Pope Francis’ authority and rejecting the Second Vatican Council that modernized the Roman Catholic Church.
—Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 20 Feb. 2026
The proposal would close 20 schools, modernize 159 school facilities, improve building conditions, and expand access to high-quality academic and extracurricular opportunities citywide.
—Kerri Corrado, CBS News, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for modernize
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Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Feb. 2026
This initiative marks the first phase of a broader effort to modernize urban lighting with LED technology, significantly improving visibility and walkability throughout the district.
—Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 20 Feb. 2026
Viganò, who is the Vatican’s former ambassador to the United States, was excommunicated in 2024 for refusing to recognize Pope Francis’ authority and rejecting the Second Vatican Council that modernized the Roman Catholic Church.
—Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 20 Feb. 2026
The proposal would close 20 schools, modernize 159 school facilities, improve building conditions, and expand access to high-quality academic and extracurricular opportunities citywide.
—Kerri Corrado, CBS News, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for modernize
Cite this Entry
“Modernize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/modernize. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
noun
ˌmäd-ər-nə-ˈzā-shən
modernizer
noun
ˈmäd-ər-ˌnī-zər
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