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

The Scarritt Renaissance Neighborhood Association has looked to secure funding to rehabilitate the buildings but work remains ongoing. — Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 20 Oct. 2026

So, if perception is reality, Quinn is going to have to rehabilitate his increasingly tarnished reputation as a sideline game manager. — Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2026

Noun

With both tanks leaking and contractors unwilling to undertake the rehabilitation work, city officials moved forward with emergency replacement. — Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 30 Oct. 2026

The ram had been held at an Oregon wildlife rehabilitation center for over three years before being moved to the Syracuse zoo. — Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 29 Oct. 2026