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

Epstein’s instincts and gravitas helped unleash the Cubs as a multibillion-dollar franchise at a time when the Ricketts family ownership group was preserving and modernizing the Friendly Confines. — Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 19 July 2026

An enterprise that can continuously keep its technology current will adopt AI faster, modernize faster, ship faster and pass audits faster with more engineering capacity left for the work that moves the business. — Chris Brown, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

The event convenes manufacturers, investors, government officials, and technology providers from around the world to discuss how to modernize and rebuild the sector. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 16 July 2026

The more than $16 million renovation and expansion project is modernizing one of the district's oldest schools while adding space to accommodate future enrollment. — Dillon Thomas, CBS News, 14 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