restore

1
2
as in to return
to bring, send, or put back to a former or proper place restored the trophy to its proper place at the center of the shelf

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb restore differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of restore are refresh, rejuvenate, renew, and renovate. While all these words mean "to make like new," restore implies a return to an original state after depletion or loss.

restored a fine piece of furniture

When would refresh be a good substitute for restore?

The words refresh and restore are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 restore?

While the synonyms rejuvenate and restore are close in meaning, rejuvenate suggests the restoration of youthful vigor, powers, or appearance.

the change in jobs rejuvenated her spirits

When might renew be a better fit than restore?

The words renew and restore 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

When is it sensible to use renovate instead of restore?

The meanings of renovate and restore largely overlap; however, renovate suggests a renewing by cleansing, repairing, or rebuilding.

the apartment has been entirely renovated

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 restore These luxury spas and their menu of beauty boosting facials will restore skin’s natural glow even after a long haul flight. Travel, whether for work, pleasure, or a combination of both, enriches the soul and senses. Bianca Salonga, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025 It was restored the following day, and the office took the opportunity to promote security measures such as two-factor authentication log-ins. Jean Marbella, Baltimore Sun, 27 June 2025 The pending Senate version restores transferability, keeps more lenient and phased-in FEOC rules on all tax credits, and allows clean energy projects to break ground through the end of 2027—potentially finishing after President Trump’s presidency. Jordan Blum, Fortune, 27 June 2025 These changes to farm support will allow USDA to return to our core mission of putting Farmers First and restoring rural prosperity across the country. Brooke L. Rollins, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for restore
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restore
Verb
  • Lake has revived claims that the agency has operated with such poor security that its networks are rife for espionage by foreign powers, assertions made by Trump's appointee to lead it in 2020, toward the end of his first term.
    David Folkenflik, NPR, 20 June 2025
  • Paul George, Roy Hibbert and David West revived the team in the 2010s, only to twice run into LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and the Miami Heat.
    Zak Keefer, New York Times, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • This experience showed me that luxury brands don't return as clients for pretty things alone.
    Kristina Fitzpatrick, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
  • Hammer agreed with Khalil’s lawyers and ordered that the green card be returned.
    Armando Garcia, ABC News, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • Before the referee had even dropped the whistle from his mouth, Erling Haaland galloped onto the pitch with a coach clearly tasked with readying him to replace Omar Marmoush at the break.
    Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 27 June 2025
  • Jerome Powell may have a little under a year left as the chairman of the Federal Reserve, but analysts—and President Donald Trump—have already narrowed their gaze on a handful of candidates to replace him.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • Even one or two minutes of the right music can refresh your brain and break the mental fatigue.
    Bronwen Sciortino, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • These Spanx deals won’t last long, so now’s the time to refresh your summer wardrobe with flattering, lightweight staples.
    Taylor Jean Stephan, People.com, 22 June 2025
Verb
  • As a result, some VMware users have opted to keep using VMware perpetual licenses, even though Broadcom refuses to renew most of those clients’ support services.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 26 June 2025
  • Mamdani said his campaign renewed faith in democracy.
    Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • This renovated three-bedroom cottage is located right near Front Street, providing quick, easy access to many of Beaufort’s restaurants, shops, and waterfront views.
    Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 28 June 2025
  • Among projects being funded at least partially in the budget are Poway Center for the Performing Arts upgrades, including renovating an elevator, replacing leaking pipes and installing a safety net to protect performers on stage from falling into the orchestra pit.
    Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Restore.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restore. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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