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 Certain medications like hormone replacement therapy (HRT) plus lifestyle changes can go a long way toward restoring comfort and easing symptoms. Katherine Speller, Flow Space, 7 Oct. 2025 With murders declining, Bates believes Baltimore can restore public confidence and attract investment back into the city. Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 7 Oct. 2025 The attempt to build empathy An Israeli researcher of Middle East politics is trying to help restore empathy. Daniel Estrin, NPR, 7 Oct. 2025 Panelists said restoring service can be relatively quick or take more than eight hours, depending on whether the cut wire is on a pole or in the ground. Rob Pegoraro, PC Magazine, 7 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for restore
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restore
Verb
  • So quick, so dangerous in the final third, and surely so motivated to revive his career in a World Cup year.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • The Fly Who Flew to Space author, who was styled by Molly Dickson, revived a vintage 1995 John Galliano checkered suit featuring a peplum blazer and a pencil skirt.
    Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Even though the Nittany Lions lost a top-five draft pick in edge rusher Abdul Carter, the thought was that Knowles could elevate an already-strong Penn State defense that returned plenty of talent.
    Cameron Teague Robinson, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
  • After a 2024 absence and pandemic-era drive-through editions, the festival returned in full force with food, music, dance and culture.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In 2020-21 though, a term which ended with Chelsea winning the Champions League, Abraham found himself down the pecking order after Thomas Tuchel replaced Frank Lampard as manager in the January.
    Liam Tharme, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Several companies, including Ace Hardware and power tool makers Milwaukee Tool and STIHL, have supported the New York measure as a way to help offset the costs of lawn care companies replacing older equipment.
    Mike Snider, USA Today, 4 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Taiwan converts time into a weapon by turning drones into throughput problems, from design to fab to field to refresh.
    Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Simply plucking young stars from viewers’ social-media feeds won’t radically alter or refresh SNL.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In March 2023, Ottawa renewed the mandate, extending the mission through April 2026.
    Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • More than 90% of fans renewed, and the team established a season ticket waiting list.
    Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The Canucks have since made several moves to renovate that group.
    Harman Dayal, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Question 2 asks voters to approve $88 million to acquire emergency vehicles for the city’s fire department, construct a new fire station and repair and renovate existing fire stations.
    Maritza Dominguez, AZCentral.com, 4 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Restore.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restore. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on restore

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