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.
Without a major course correction, the President will fail to keep one of his most important promises to the American public – restoring economic prosperity. Wayne Winegarden, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025 Carla is chatty, full of energy and Midwest optimism while John is soft-spoken, an engineer who loves flying and restoring classic cars. Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 3 Aug. 2025 The probe was announced just days after the independence of Ukraine’s anti-corruption agencies was restored, following widespread public outcry over President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s move to curb their powers. J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 3 Aug. 2025 The photos were removed from their school accounts and restored after months of advocacy. Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 2 Aug. 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 8 Aug. 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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