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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").
Examples of renovate in a Sentence
Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026
Andrew lived at Wood Farm temporarily while his permanent residence, Marsh Farm, also on the estate, was renovated.
—Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 7 June 2026
Annie receives French lessons as a gift from her oldest friend Candace for putting her family up in their guest house as Candace’s home is being renovated.
—John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2026
Meanwhile, in the kitchen, the couple renovated the 1990s design to a design that suits their whimsy.
—Ella Field, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for renovate
Cite this Entry
“Renovate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/renovate. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.
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renovate
verb
