Synonym Chooser

How does the verb renovate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of renovate are refresh, rejuvenate, renew, and restore. While all these words mean "to make like new," renovate suggests a renewing by cleansing, repairing, or rebuilding.

the apartment has been entirely renovated

When is it sensible to use refresh instead of renovate?

While the synonyms refresh and renovate are close in meaning, 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 renovate?

While in some cases nearly identical to renovate, rejuvenate suggests the restoration of youthful vigor, powers, or appearance.

the change in jobs rejuvenated her spirits

When would renew be a good substitute for renovate?

The words renew and renovate 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

Where would restore be a reasonable alternative to renovate?

Although the words restore and renovate have much in common, restore implies a return to an original state after depletion or loss.

restored a fine piece of furniture

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 renovate The old hotel was built in the early 1970s and besides some new carpet and fresh paint over the years had never really been redone or renovated. Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 May 2025 Designed by prolific modern architect A. Quincy Jones, Aniston’s home was renovated in 1965 by Frederick Fisher and later redone by The Morning Show actress and ex-husband Justin Theroux. Dominic Patten, Deadline, 7 May 2025 After many years of neglect, the building was renovated by the Works Progress Administration in the 1930s and became the Arkansas Museum of Natural History and Antiquities. Arkansas Online, 2 May 2025 The home was renovated by Bronin and his wife, Sara Bronin, an architect, attorney and housing advocate originally from Texas. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 2 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for renovate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for renovate
Verb
  • The negative publicity surrounding layoffs can linger for years, creating lasting brand damage that's difficult to repair.
    Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025
  • According to a statement provided last year by Welsh through his attorney, Patrick Morris, the Postal Service for years violated its lease, which required it to maintain and repair the flooring at its own expense.
    Hailey Branson-Potts, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2025
Verb
  • But does essentially neglecting your face actually work to rebuild the skin?
    Melissa Willets, Parents, 12 May 2025
  • And the opportunity to rebuild around Alcántara, who is the No. 5 prospect in the Cubs' system, should intrigue them.
    Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • According to Renner, as part of his recovery, doctors had to reconstruct his chest and one of his legs using titanium.
    Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 8 May 2025
  • Miller’s inability to recall the day’s events inspired Mendoza to reconstruct them meticulously.
    Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 7 May 2025
Verb
  • The incident may cost Coinbase up to $400 million to fix, the company estimated.
    Tanaya Macheel, CNBC, 15 May 2025
  • Became an even better version of himself by fixing his body to fix his mind.
    Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 15 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Renovate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/renovate. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

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