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 ministry has previously announced hundreds of millions of euros of investments into modernizing the high-speed rail network, including this particular section running from Madrid to Seville. — Vasco Cotovio, CNN Money, 29 Oct. 2026

Instead, their adaptations declined to modernize the novel’s setting and embraced finding new ways into the protagonists. — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 28 Oct. 2026

But, in 2012, the six-bedroom house, now modernized, welcomed its first guests, turning a storied 19th century family home into a bed and breakfast designed to channel the casual elegance of Virginia wine country into an inn. — Heather Bien, Southern Living, 28 Oct. 2026

Roth, who’s credited with modernizing the sheriff’s office, went on to serve another 18 years before retiring in 2009. — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 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