Synonyms of restore

restore

verb

ri-ˈstȯr 

1

as in to revive

to bring back to a former condition or vigor

restore an old car

Synonyms & Similar Words

• revive
• recreate
• refresh
• renew
• renovate
• regenerate
• replenish
• repair
• revitalize
• redevelop
• rejuvenate
• freshen
• resuscitate
• revivify
• recharge
• reclaim
• refurbish
• rehabilitate
• reconstitute
• refreshen
• redesign
• remodel
• overhaul
• recondition
• reengineer
• refill
• remake
• modernize
• redo
• update
• rehab
• resupply
• make over

2

as in to return

to bring, send, or put back to a former or proper place

restored the trophy to its proper place at the center of the shelf

Synonyms & Similar Words

• return
• replace
• reconvey

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• take
• remove

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb restore differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of restore are refresh, rejuvenate, renew, and renovate. While all these words mean "to make like new," restore implies a return to an original state after depletion or loss.

restored a fine piece of furniture

When would refresh be a good substitute for restore?

The words refresh and restore are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, refresh implies the supplying of something necessary to restore lost strength, animation, or power.

a refreshing drink

When is rejuvenate a more appropriate choice than restore?

While the synonyms rejuvenate and restore are close in meaning, rejuvenate suggests the restoration of youthful vigor, powers, or appearance.

the change in jobs rejuvenated her spirits

When might renew be a better fit than restore?

The words renew and restore can be used in similar contexts, but 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

When is it sensible to use renovate instead of restore?

The meanings of renovate and restore largely overlap; however, renovate suggests a renewing by cleansing, repairing, or rebuilding.

the apartment has been entirely renovated

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of restore

The court never ruled on whether Alight had to restore the funds. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 17 May 2026

Virginia Democrats had mounted a last-ditch effort to restore the new voting boundaries earlier this week, but it was considered a longshot, since the Supreme Court typically does not review interpretations of state law by a state's highest court. —Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 16 May 2026

Today, this 33,000-acre park aims to capture something of the past by restoring native habitats and fostering sustainable land use for recreation and agriculture—all sandwiched between two urban centers. —Robert Annis, Midwest Living, 16 May 2026

The axolotl can produce brand new neurons, restore damaged or lost structures and reconnect circuits post-brain injury. —Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026