renovate

verb

ren·​o·​vate ˈre-nə-ˌvāt How to pronounce renovate (audio)
renovated; renovating

transitive verb

1
: to restore to a former better state (as by cleaning, repairing, or rebuilding)
2
: to restore to life, vigor, or activity : revive
the church was renovated by a new ecumenical spirit
renovation noun
renovative adjective
renovator noun

Did you know?

What Is the Difference Between renovate, renew, and restore?

Renovate, renew, restore, refresh, and rejuvenate all mean to make like new. Renovate (a word ultimately derived from the Latin verb novare, meaning "to make new," itself a descendant of novus, meaning "new") suggests a renewing by cleansing, repairing, or rebuilding. Renew implies a restoration of what had become faded or disintegrated so that it seems like new ("efforts to renew the splendor of the old castle"). Restore suggests a return to an original state after depletion or loss ("restored a piece of furniture"). Refresh implies the supplying of something necessary to restore lost strength, animation, or power ("a refreshing drink"). Rejuvenate suggests the restoration of youthful vigor, powers, or appearance ("she was rejuvenated by her new job").

Choose the Right Synonym for renovate

renew, restore, refresh, renovate, rejuvenate mean to make like new.

renew implies a restoration of what had become faded or disintegrated so that it seems like new.

efforts to renew the splendor of the old castle

restore implies a return to an original state after depletion or loss.

restored a fine piece of furniture

refresh implies the supplying of something necessary to restore lost strength, animation, or power.

a refreshing drink

renovate suggests a renewing by cleansing, repairing, or rebuilding.

the apartment has been entirely renovated

rejuvenate suggests the restoration of youthful vigor, powers, or appearance.

the change in jobs rejuvenated her spirits

Example Sentences

It's an old factory that has been renovated as office space. We renovated the kitchen three years ago.
Recent Examples on the Web America’s obsession with renovating homes is finally coming to an end. Niharika Sharma, Quartz, 17 May 2023 Book Now From $1,650 for a package 14 Canoe Place Inn, Hampton Bays Recently renovated, Canoe Place Inn was originally established in 1697. Kate Mcgregor, House Beautiful, 13 May 2023 Related Not unlike renovating a home, the Conroe, Texas native knows well that the process of building something sturdy and sustainable takes time, patience and tenacity. Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 12 May 2023 The Wales family joined the Scouts to renovate their Scout Hut—taking part in plating, sanding, and painting. Town & Country, 9 May 2023 How Prince George Made History at His Grandfather King Charles' Coronation The family joined the Scouts to renovate their Scout Hut, taking part in plating, sanding and painting. Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 8 May 2023 At the time, my vision was to renovate the garage space and turn it into a small restaurant dining room. Kara Baskin, BostonGlobe.com, 3 May 2023 In a 20-5 vote Thursday night, Louisville Metro Council members voted to approve more than $15 million in American Rescue Plan fund for renovating a new LMPD headquarters planned at 601 W. Chestnut St. and a lease and rent payments for a new wellness center for the department. Lucas Aulbach, The Courier-Journal, 28 Apr. 2023 Based on markings in the cellar, Dodd and his team estimate the winery was added or renovated during the reign of Gordian III, who served as emperor between 238 and 244 C.E. Like the rest of the villa, the winery was sumptuously decorated. Teresa Nowakowski, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Apr. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'renovate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin renovatus, past participle of renovare, from re- + novare to make new, from novus new — more at new

First Known Use

1535, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of renovate was in 1535

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Dictionary Entries Near renovate

Cite this Entry

“Renovate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/renovate. Accessed 29 May. 2023.

Kids Definition

renovate

verb
ren·​o·​vate ˈren-ə-ˌvāt How to pronounce renovate (audio)
renovated; renovating
: to make like new again : put in good condition
renovation noun
renovator noun

More from Merriam-Webster on renovate

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