modernize
Americanverb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
verb
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(tr) to make modern in appearance or style
to modernize a room
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(intr) to adopt modern ways, ideas, etc
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Conjugated Forms
Present
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has modernizedperfect 3rd person singular
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have modernizedperfect
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has been modernizingperfect progressive 3rd person singular
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have been modernizingperfect progressive
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am modernizingprogressive 1st person singular
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is modernizingprogressive 3rd person singular
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are modernizingprogressive
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modernizessingular 3rd person
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modernizingparticiple
Past
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had modernizedperfect
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were modernizingprogressive plural
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was modernizingprogressive singular
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had been modernizingperfect progressive
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modernizedsimple
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modernizedparticiple
Future
Etymology
Origin of modernize
First recorded in 1740–50; modern(ism) + -ize
Explanation
To modernize is to adjust or improve something, especially in a way that uses new technology. You might modernize your grandmother's kitchen by buying her a microwave and an espresso machine. When you modernize something, you bring it up to date. You could modernize your office by buying new computers, for example, or modernize your antique car by installing seat belts and a stereo. At the heart of modernize is the adjective modern, "relating to the present time" or "up-to-date." In Shakepeare, the word modern is often used to mean "ordinary," although today there's more of a sense of "the very latest technology."
Vocabulary lists containing modernize
Automobiles
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Absolutism and Enlightenment, Lessons 1–4
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This Week in Words: Current Events Vocab for December 18–December 24, 2021
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Amazon Web Services secured a $4 billion commitment from Pinterest to accelerate its AI roadmap and modernize its visual search platform.
From Barron's • Jun. 4, 2026
Bilton told the Hollywood Reporter he also plans to modernize the show with “some of that kind of gonzo journalism stuff that I”ve done.”
From Salon • Jun. 1, 2026
Wall Street attempts to modernize how to sell an IPO have never stuck.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 23, 2026
Feldstein Soto pushed back on those criticisms, touting steps she has taken to modernize the office and enhance public safety.
From Los Angeles Times • May 23, 2026
"I figured I shouldn't dress you traditionally. It's time to modernize Belles, in my humble opinion. Du Barry has been so ancient in her preparations," he says under his breath.
From "The Belles" by Dhonielle Clayton
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
