Synonym Chooser

How does the verb renovate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of renovate are refresh, rejuvenate, renew, and restore. While all these words mean "to make like new," renovate suggests a renewing by cleansing, repairing, or rebuilding.

the apartment has been entirely renovated

When is it sensible to use refresh instead of renovate?

While the synonyms refresh and renovate are close in meaning, 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 renovate?

While in some cases nearly identical to renovate, rejuvenate suggests the restoration of youthful vigor, powers, or appearance.

the change in jobs rejuvenated her spirits

When would renew be a good substitute for renovate?

The words renew and renovate 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

Where would restore be a reasonable alternative to renovate?

Although the words restore and renovate have much in common, restore implies a return to an original state after depletion or loss.

restored a fine piece of furniture

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 renovate The money will go to renovate the 18th floor, according to a city report on the settlement. Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Feb. 2025 Laurel Home Tours offers ride-along tours on their open-air carts through town that take visitors by more than 40 homes featured and renovated on the show. Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 15 Feb. 2025 The brand is set to open the flagship in the fourth quarter in a building that has recently been renovated. Samantha Conti, WWD, 14 Feb. 2025 The Ravinia Festival will renovate its grounds from now through 2029, starting with its 3,350-seat Pavilion, the festival announced Thursday. Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for renovate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for renovate
Verb
  • The film shows coach Senad repairing damage to the concrete, patching cracks and sweeping debris from the course – pinecones and pine needles from the surrounding trees that could prove a tremendous hazard for a sled zooming at a breakneck pace.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Right now a defensive stance is warranted until the bulls regain control and repair some of the technical damage.
    Adam Sarhan, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Miami needs to create about $20 million to $30 million more in cap space to rebuild the team decently.
    Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Perhaps most crucially, studios and streamers must do their part by pledging to shoot more in L.A. County, demonstrating a commitment to rebuilding after the fires.
    Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 1 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Even with all of this uncertainty, AI offers hope — a new blueprint and an opportunity to reimagine and reconstruct the very foundations of content creation.
    Solo Ceesay, Rolling Stone, 26 Feb. 2025
  • The Arab League is holding a summit in Egypt on Tuesday to strategize a proposal to counter President Donald Trump's proposal to forcibly expel Palestinians from their land in Gaza and reconstruct the strip -- a proposal that experts and U.S. allies have said violates international law.
    Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 26 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Since 2020, membership of the WSL has been fixed at twelve clubs but this season, the Championship, the second tier of the women’s game, has been reduced to eleven teams after the withdrawal of Reading FC due to financial difficulties.
    Asif Burhan, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
  • With fewer employees available to fix minor errors on returns or answer questions over the phone, Pon said being diligent when checking tax forms before submitting is vital for avoiding potential delays.
    Camila Pedrosa, Sacramento Bee, 4 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Renovate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/renovate. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on renovate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!