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

Of the 33 schools awarded grants, 19 schools opted for main entrance improvements while 14 chose to modernize their check-in and visitor badging systems. — Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026

The introduction of the J-15T reflects China’s broader effort to modernize its carrier aviation capabilities. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 4 July 2026

Like many homeowners, Taylor’s first instinct was to modernize by removing what felt outdated. — Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026

Faced with a national IT compliance mandate, Sapporo’s city government needed to modernize over one million lines of legacy code, which Kaplan estimated would have normally taken 200 engineering months of work. — Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 3 July 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