Synonyms of rehabilitate

rehabilitate 1 of 2

verb

ˌrē-ə-ˈbi-lə-ˌtāt 

1

as in to redeem

to make better in behavior or character

an organization that rehabilitates criminals so they can reenter society

Synonyms & Similar Words

• redeem
• reclaim
• regenerate
• improve
• reform
• restore
• habilitate
• reeducate
• refine
• amend
• purify
• cleanse

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• subvert
• degrade
• corrupt
• poison
• demoralize
• demean
• lower
• prostitute
• pervert
• debauch
• warp
• abase
• profane
• deprave
• canker

2

as in to heal

to restore to a healthy condition

underwent physical therapy to help rehabilitate her broken elbow

Synonyms & Similar Words

• heal
• cure
• fix
• treat
• revive
• repair
• rehab
• relieve
• set up
• mend
• alleviate
• revitalize
• attend (to)
• minister (to)
• renew
• care (for)
• fortify
• rejuvenate
• medicate
• resuscitate
• remedy
• nurse
• physic
• doctor

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• injure
• impair
• hurt
• harm
• damage
• wound
• cripple
• mutilate
• disable
• maim
• weaken
• afflict
• lacerate
• waste
• mangle
• lame
• sicken
• ail
• lay up
• sap
• debilitate
• enervate
• enfeeble

rehabilitation

2 of 2

noun

ˌrē-ə-ˌbi-lə-ˈtā-shən 

as in recovery

the process or period of gradually regaining one's health and strength

his rehabilitation from the flu was brief, and he was up and working again within a few days

Synonyms & Similar Words

• recovery
• rehab
• healing
• recuperation
• convalescence
• comeback
• mending
• revival
• resuscitation
• survival
• rally
• snapback

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• deterioration
• failing
• decline
• degeneration
• worsening
• sinking
• weakening
• fading
• regression
• relapse
• languishing
• wasting (away)
• wilting
• withering

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of rehabilitate

Verb

Iraq is also working on plans to build new crude oil pipelines and rehabilitate older ones to avoid Hormuz. — Bloomberg News, Boston Herald, 18 July 2026

The United States on Friday backed a new agreement between Iraq and Syria to rehabilitate an oil pipeline that would provide an alternative route for crude exports and reduce reliance on the Strait of Hormuz. — Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 17 July 2026

Noun

The complications forced Finch to step away from L7’s upcoming Last Hurrah Tour while friends, family and collaborators launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover her medical care, rehabilitation and in-home assistance. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 19 July 2026

Issel said Caldwell had fallen recently and had been convalescing at a rehabilitation center prior to his death. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 18 July 2026