restore

Definition of restorenext
1
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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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.
Recent Examples of restore Still, several candidates argued that restoring confidence in City Hall has become inseparable from addressing the district’s day-to-day concerns. Teresa Liu, Daily News, 9 May 2026 The Pizza Plate is a reusable metal tray that uses heat retention to re-crisp the bottom of your slice, restoring that golden, crunchy crust every pizza lover craves. ABC News, 9 May 2026 University officials late Saturday morning announced in a message to students, faculty and staff that access to the Canvas system had been restored, with all exams originally scheduled for Friday taking place on Sunday, with all exam times and locations remaining unchanged. William Lee, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2026 He's also vowed to suspend the news services of Hungary's public broadcaster — widely seen as a mouthpiece of Orbán's party — until objectivity can be restored. CBS News, 9 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for restore
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restore
Verb
  • Because this decision has revived the debate within the Democratic Party about potentially adding more seats to the Supreme Court.
    NBC news, NBC news, 10 May 2026
  • Tom Bradley, who was elected mayor of Los Angeles in the nineteen-seventies and went on to serve five terms, made reviving the streetcar (and a subway to the sea) a cornerstone of his platform.
    Oren Peleg, New Yorker, 9 May 2026
Verb
  • Robert Pattinson is set to return as Bruce Wayne, joined by Colin Farrell as Oz Cobb (aka the Penguin), Jeffrey Wright as Commissioner James Gordon and Andy Serkis as Alfred Pennyworth.
    Kennedy French, Variety, 8 May 2026
  • His velocity, however, never quite returned.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 7 May 2026
Verb
  • The two men are looking to replace Polis, who is term-limited and will leave office early next year.
    Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 8 May 2026
  • Gavin Newsom and Sacramento Democrats did exactly that with Proposition 50, stripping an independent redistricting commission of its authority and replacing it with maps drawn by the Democratic supermajority designed to gain a partisan advantage.
    Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 May 2026
Verb
  • If portions of the page appear blank and an ad blocker is enabled, please disable the ad blocker and refresh the page to ensure full access to the content.
    Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 4 May 2026
  • The bathroom looks refreshed with simple black-and-white tile.
    Katie McDonough, Curbed, 4 May 2026
Verb
  • Which meant that Special was renewed and canceled on the same phone call.
    Ryan O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 4 May 2026
  • First, California could renew the tax every year, cementing the state as inhospitable for the wealthy, many of whom will simply leave – which many billionaires have – or choose not to establish businesses in California at all.
    Douglas Schoen, Oc Register, 4 May 2026
Verb
  • The Wende plans to renovate the building, adding a 7,000-square-foot extension, with flexibility to further expand in the future.
    Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2026
  • By that time, McLeod and Jennings had already moved into their new Wyandotte County house on seven-acres, a former county juvenile detention center that had been renovated into a residential home by the previous owner.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 10 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Restore.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restore. Accessed 11 May. 2026.

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