restore

verb

re·​store ri-ˈstȯr How to pronounce restore (audio)
restored; restoring

transitive verb

1
2
: to put or bring back into existence or use
3
: to bring back to or put back into a former or original state : renew
4
: to put again in possession of something
restorer noun
Choose the Right Synonym for restore

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

Examples of restore in a Sentence

The police restored law and order. The government needs to restore confidence in the economy. an antique car that is being carefully restored
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Yet the material’s slow breakdown kept the fractures from fully restoring, highlighting the need for further refinement before human trials can begin. Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 27 Sep. 2025 Even after the Tennessee National Guard was summoned to restore order, staunch segregationists refused to let up. Andrea Williams, Nashville Tennessean, 27 Sep. 2025 And while some worry that changing the exclusion could flood the market, Moody’s analysis finds that even a 25% spike in listings would only restore sales to normal, pre-crisis levels. Preston Fore, Fortune, 27 Sep. 2025 People trying to restore their homes are grappling with slow permit approvals, high costs and low insurance payouts. Bloomberg, Mercury News, 26 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for restore

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French restorer, from Latin restaurare to renew, rebuild, alteration of instaurare to renew

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of restore was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Restore.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/restore. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

restore

verb
re·​store ri-ˈstō(ə)r How to pronounce restore (audio)
-ˈstȯ(ə)r
restored; restoring
1
: return entry 1 sense 5
restored the purse to its owner
2
: to put or bring back into existence or use
restore harmony after an argument
3
: to bring back to or put back into an earlier or original state
restore an old house
4
: to put again in possession of something
restore the king to the throne
restorable
-ˈstōr-ə-bəl
-ˈstȯr-
adjective
restorer noun

Medical Definition

restore

transitive verb
restored; restoring
: to bring back to or put back into a former or original state
a tooth restored with an inlay

More from Merriam-Webster on restore

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