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

The Sacramento Public Library Authority and the city are likely to receive the building in the coming weeks from Otto Construction, which has been renovating the building for much of the past year. — Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 25 Aug. 2026

The plan offers a broad outline of where the stadium would be placed, where existing buildings could be renovated, where new buildings could be built and where plaza areas could be added in Crown Center. — Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 24 Aug. 2026

In 2004, according to that handout, the building was renovated to become the Victory Arts Center. — Emily Holshouser august 21, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Aug. 2026

The second phase of work will take place in summer 2027 and will focus on renovating existing space and updating building systems, the release said. — Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026

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