restore

verb

re·​store ri-ˈstȯr 

restored; restoring

transitive verb

1

: give back, return

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

Synonyms

• freshen
• recharge
• recreate
• refresh
• refreshen
• regenerate
• rejuvenate
• renew
• repair
• resuscitate
• revitalize
• revive
• revivify

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

This trend follows the footsteps of a wider effort by the Chinese government to look inwards and restore national identity through the reappraisal of tradition. —Vogue, 6 Apr. 2024

The landmark building in which the hotel is housed has been restored to its former Neo-Renaissance glory with replicated clocks, intricate millwork, and a 60-foot domed rooftop tempietto, a little temple. —Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 5 Apr. 2024

But when Michael Douglas moves through the room, the old glamour is fleetingly restored. —Ann Hornaday, Washington Post, 5 Apr. 2024

By their logic, if a decisive victory is not achievable in Gaza, a war in Lebanon could yet restore Israeli deterrence, damage Iran’s deeper strategic interests, and possibly initiate a spiraling conflict that could lead the U.S. to strike Iran and its nuclear facilities. —Hussein Ibish, The Atlantic, 5 Apr. 2024

Other accounts that were previously verified but had smaller followings, including many journalists, academics and other experts in their fields, have not been restored to their former blue check status. —Kat Tenbarge, NBC News, 4 Apr. 2024

Bortz restored the roadster from its years of neglect, but left the sedan in junkyard condition as testimony to the neglect many historic show cars endured. —Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, 4 Apr. 2024

But, thanks to her mother using DIY rice water treatments in her hair, Twine’s tresses were restored over time. —Tira Urquhart, Essence, 26 Mar. 2024

Stored for decades in shipping containers left moldering in Texas, Luna Luna was purchased and partially restored by an entrepreneurial team that includes the mega-rich rapper Drake. —Philip Kennicott, Washington Post, 25 Mar. 2024

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

Kids Definition

restore

verb

re·​store ri-ˈstō(ə)r 

-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

re·​store ri-ˈstō(ə)r, -ˈstȯ(ə)r 

restored; restoring

: to bring back to or put back into a former or original state

a tooth restored with an inlay