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 Working to restore devastated electrical and water service Morris Dixon and others described the efforts underway to try to restore electricity and water service and to provide food water and relief supplies. Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025 This means therapies could be developed to restore mitochondrial health. Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Nov. 2025 The group has partially restored its weapons supply chain through Syria and Iraq, despite disruptions following the collapse of the Assad regime last year. Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 4 Nov. 2025 Once the shutdown is over, the department will work quickly to restore SNAP benefits, the statement said. The Npr Network, NPR, 4 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for restore
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restore
Verb
  • Biden was even less enthusiastic about reviving international economic institutions.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Nov. 2025
  • That, plus the prospect of tax hikes, is reviving interest in real estate in the city’s affluent suburbs.
    Diane Brady, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Other big stories ➤ More than 350 residents from Marana and surrounding southern Arizona communities gathered to criticize Management and Training Corporation's refusal to communicate on whether a shuttered state prison will return as an ICE detention center.
    Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Sanders has since been charged with intentionally abandoning a child younger than 15 without intent to return, a third-degree felony charge in Texas, according to court documents.
    Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 26 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The last American to compete in the pinnacle of motorsport was Logan Sargeant, who raced for Williams for nearly two years before the team replaced him.
    Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Now, more often than not, they are replaced by casual dinners, drinks and thoughtful gestures.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Screens displayed the election results, periodically refreshed as onlookers awaited the most recent vote tally.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Instead, Mike’s work empowers patients to preserve their individuality while feeling refreshed, confident, and wholly themselves.
    Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • His original announcement on October 13 stated his contract was simply not being renewed, but this new report confirms the non-renewal has been escalated to an early termination.
    Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
  • The Grossmont board declined to renew the contract of Christian Wallis, its previous chief executive, in March without providing a public reason for the dismissal.
    Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Another source, however, disputes this and says most of the offices are still being renovated and have television sets that have yet to be mounted or plugged in.
    Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 4 Nov. 2025
  • All this after Fern just wanted to renovate her boring bookseller life by starting over next to her orc pal Viv’s coffee shop!
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 Nov. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Restore.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restore. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on restore

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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