modernize

verb

mod·​ern·​ize ˈmä-dər-ˌnīz 

modernized; modernizing

transitive verb

: to make modern (as in taste, style, or usage)

intransitive verb

: to adopt modern ways

modernizer noun

Synonyms

• contemporize
• streamline
• update

Examples of modernize in a Sentence

We're modernizing our kitchen with a new oven, refrigerator, and dishwasher.

The country recently announced plans to begin modernizing its army.

The school needs a building with modernized classrooms.

Older companies will need to modernize quickly if they are to survive in today's economy.

Recent Examples on the Web

Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, fears of nuclear conflict are mounting as both nations possess nearly 200 nuclear warheads and continue to modernize their arsenals. —Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 May 2025

So one of Degeorges’ first moves was to modernize Gaumont’s development processes to keep pace with rising expectations. —Ben Croll, Variety, 7 May 2025

That people can't modernize, people can't get hired. —A Martínez, NPR, 7 May 2025

Jean-Charles and Jacques, Gaston Worth’s sons, further modernized the house in the 1920s with innovations like logo knits and collaborations with artists like Jean Dunand and Raoul Dufy. —Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 7 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1716, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for modernize

• advertise
• aggrandize
• agonize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize

Kids Definition

modernize

verb

mod·​ern·​ize ˈmäd-ər-ˌnīz 

modernized; modernizing

: to make or become modern

especially : to change to suit present styles, tastes, or needs

modernization

ˌmäd-ər-nə-ˈzā-shən

noun

modernizer

ˈmäd-ər-ˌnī-zər

noun