modernize

verb

mod·​ern·​ize ˈmä-dər-ˌnīz 

modernized; modernizing

transitive verb

: to make modern (as in taste, style, or usage)

intransitive verb

: to adopt modern ways

modernizer noun

Synonyms

• 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

Daniels said his organization will continue to work alongside the Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford to address some of the problems facing the air traffic control system, including by increasing hiring and modernizing equipment. —Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2025

Recommendations include fast-tracking new weapons, appointing a centralized weapons czar, improving interagency coordination and modernizing both detection and defense systems. —Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025

Oklahoma, a program as rich with tradition as any in college football, had to modernize. —Chris Vannini, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025

This classic arc light can instantly modernize your living room with its space age feel. —Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 8 Oct. 2025

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