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 Acadia also protects over 47,000 acres of land that are home to a wide variety of wildlife, including peregrine falcons, whose population the park helped restore. Eve Chen, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2026 Before investing millions more yen in robotic experiments, the next policy response might be to meaningfully lift wages as part of a broader effort to restore dignity and status to the work itself. Catherine Thorbecke, Twin Cities, 25 Apr. 2026 After being commandeered into a hospital during World War I, the hotel was purchased in 1957 by Jeanne Augier, who restored the property’s former glory—and then some. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Apr. 2026 In his April 10 inauguration speech, Min Aung Hlaing said restoring normal relations with ASEAN was among his top priorities. ABC News, 25 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for restore
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restore
Verb
  • More recently, a growing domestic gas shortage — exacerbated by the halt in new drilling and worsened by the Iran war — has revived demand for Colombia’s own coal.
    Fabiano Maisonnave, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2026
  • While the attack on the press is underway, the authorities are also reviving old symbols of political repression.
    Nathan Hodge, CNN Money, 26 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Manson later left the game with an upper-body injury and the former Ducks defenseman did not return.
    Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Campbell was selected fourth overall in the 2025 NFL Draft and struggled in last year’s playoff run after returning from a knee injury.
    Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The hospice movement that emerged in the latter half of the last century improved conditions for patients in the later years of life, replacing sterile, clinical hospital settings with holistic care centered on pain management, dignity, and quality of life.
    Tom Koutsoumpas, Oc Register, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Our approach would replace the outdated fuel-tax model with an annual fee based on vehicle weight, collected by states at the point of registration.
    Andrew Stasiowski, Boston Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • An interior designer shares tips for choosing the right paint color and finish for your bathroom refresh.
    Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Apr. 2026
  • This story was updated to refresh headlines.
    Josh Rivera, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • There is something to be said for admitting that the prospects of disagreement are permanent and that wisdom consists not in tearing up the peace treaty but in renewing it.
    Nikhil Krishnan, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
  • In April, Argentina renewed attention on him after its President Javier Milei’s government designated the entire Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps a terrorist organization and singled out Vahidi by name.
    Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 20 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • 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.
    Eric Adler April 26, Kansas City Star, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Upgrade and add more restrooms in Terminals A and B while renovating Levels 2 and 3.
    Lance Lyttle, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Restore.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restore. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.

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