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

Another option in case the property owners don't come together is for the hotel parcel to be rehabilitated. — Joan Murray, CBS News, 17 Sep. 2026

Gross-Matos is currently rehabilitating from that knee injury and isn’t ready to play. — Matt Barrows, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026

Noun

Some may call it pandering, image rehabilitation, or anything that would devalue his consistent commitment to highlighting women throughout his career. — Armon Sadler, Rolling Stone, 16 Sep. 2026

Sisters Hiyab and Wuhbto are now recovering and undergoing rehabilitation and intensive care, more than six months after their cranial separation surgery in February, the hospital said. — Yi-Jin Yu, ABC News, 16 Sep. 2026