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 In 2020, Trump’s administration paid to restore a Columbus statue in Baltimore that was dumped in the harbor during protests against the police murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Nicholas Riccardi, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2025 New Zealand’s project aims to eradicate invasive species and restore native wildlife on Maukahuka (Auckland) Island, Rakiura (Stewart) Island, and Chatham Island. Troy Aidan Sambajon, Christian Science Monitor, 28 Apr. 2025 Listen to this article New York colleges and universities say their international students are seeing their legal status restored after the Trump administration reversed course on its clampdown of student visas. Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 28 Apr. 2025 Power began to be restored shortly thereafter, by about 1:00 p.m. local time. Solcyré Burga, Time, 28 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for restore
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restore
Verb
  • The new Roger Dubuis Excalibur Grande Complication revives the signature bi-retrograde display and adds a flying tourbillon and a minute repeater for a full-on high-watchmaking spectacle. Passport: Explore the finest destinations and experiences around the world in the Forbes Passport newsletter.
    Carol Besler, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Emergency crews were unable to revive him and he was pronounced dead at a hospital, officials said.
    Don Sweeney, Miami Herald, 20 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Davis was just 4 for 11 on field goals at FAU but made two 50-plus yard field goals, was perfect on extra points (23 for 23) and has a high touchback rate on kickoffs; 46 of his 61 kickoffs weren’t returned last season.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 21 Apr. 2025
  • One of those jets may also return as soon as this week, CBS News has confirmed.
    Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Despite the best efforts of major technology companies to replace them with passkeys, the humble password remains with us.
    Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Here, golden grasslands replace waterfalls and the horizon seems to stretch forever.
    Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 27 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • In 2022, the hotel reopened after a massive renovation, refreshing the 179 rooms and suites (but thankfully leaving the Mayfair’s eponymous garden untouched).
    Elise Taylor, Vogue, 24 Apr. 2025
  • While Samsung is expected to refresh its foldables later this year, Motorola arguably holds the performance crown for now.
    Iyaz Akhtar, PC Magazine, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Sewell Avery, chairman of Montgomery Ward & Co., refused to renew a union contract on orders of the War Labor Board.
    Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Yes, Fire Country has been renewed for a fourth season.
    Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 26 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The oldest rail tunnel in the world, a London Tube section dating from 1863, was completely renovated — including the complex task of changing the old-fashion ballasted track to modern direct rail fixation — using this repair-in-place approach.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 28 Apr. 2025
  • It was renovated between 2015 to 2020 and now boasts a series of dormitory-style rooms and private rooms as well as cozy sitting areas and a community kitchen.
    Kaitlyn McInnis, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Restore.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restore. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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