Synonyms of renovate

renovate

verb

ˈre-nə-ˌvāt 

as in to repair

to put into good shape or working order again

will have to renovate the house extensively before we can move in

Synonyms & Similar Words

• repair
• rebuild
• reconstruct
• fix
• restore
• overhaul
• patch
• revamp
• recondition
• adjust
• renew
• modify
• mend
• refurbish
• maintain
• help
• improve
• refresh
• doctor
• prepare
• revive
• aid
• condition
• regenerate
• fix up
• cure
• furbish
• heal
• revitalize
• ready
• freshen
• right
• rejuvenate
• service
• rectify
• enhance
• better
• enrich
• care (for)
• reform
• redress
• ameliorate
• correct
• refreshen
• meliorate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• hurt
• break
• ruin
• impair
• injure
• damage
• spoil
• harm
• wreck
• deface
• flaw
• mar
• disfigure
• vandalize
• mutilate
• cripple
• disable
• blemish
• maim
• mangle

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

Recent Examples of renovate

New owners renovated the historic property and reopened it in 2014, and the lobby bar has become a place for locals to gather for drinks while mingling with travelers. —Amanda Ogle, Travel + Leisure, 24 Apr. 2025

An in-house construction crew renovated the adjacent green room earlier this year. —Eleanor Watson, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2025

The designer and developer, who passed away in 2020, subsequently renovated the Hollywood Hills property high above the Sunset Strip in her signature party-centric style, complete with glass panels peering into a two-level entertainment space down below. —Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 21 Apr. 2025

Renovations to historic Landreth Hall and Auditorium TCU also plans to renovate the Ed Landreth Hall and Auditorium along South University Drive and add classroom space to the building, which is expected to be complete at the start of the 2028-29 academic year. —Kate Marijolovic, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Apr. 2025

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