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

Examples of renovate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web So after all the effort to renovate and decorate, why is Miller parting ways with the West Palm Beach pad after only three years? Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 6 Sep. 2024 Modular tech poles, integrated into circulation paths and furnishings, can similarly provide access to devices like power outlets, Wi-Fi, speakers and cameras without dependence on walls or ceilings that are more costly to renovate. Sharron Van Der Meulen, Forbes, 6 Sep. 2024 But the building had just been renovated at great expense, an investment intended for School 10, and now those students and teachers were being evicted to make room for others. Alec MacGillis, The New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2024 Another posted his cache of 19th century American landscapes to renovate his estate. Will Daniel, Fortune, 16 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for renovate 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'renovate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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Cite this Entry

“Renovate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/renovate. Accessed 20 Sep. 2024.

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