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

Stablecoins are not the only route to modernizing the correspondent banking system. —Chris Maurice, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2025

But from the very first race in the summer of 1993, these sausages have sizzled and arguably helped to modernize the most traditional American pastime. —Don Riddell, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025

Again, real estate has always been slow to modernize and was particularly slow to decarbonize. —Diana Olick, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2025

The United States Postal Service (USPS) has launched a new mobile app to modernize the way Americans receive and manage their mail. —Matthew Robinson, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 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