modernize

[mod-er-nahyz]

See more synonyms for modernize on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object), mod·ern·ized, mod·ern·iz·ing.

to make modern; give a new or modern character or appearance to: to modernize one's ideas; to modernize a kitchen.

verb (used without object), mod·ern·ized, mod·ern·iz·ing.

to become modern; adopt modern ways, views, etc.

Also especially British, mod·ern·ise.

Origin of modernize

First recorded in 1740–50; modern(ism) + -ize

Related formsmod·ern·i·za·tion, nounmod·ern·iz·er, nounan·ti·mod·ern·i·za·tion, adjectiveo·ver·mod·ern·i·za·tion, nouno·ver·mod·ern·ize, verb, o·ver·mod·ern·ized, o·ver·mod·ern·iz·ing.re·mod·ern·i·za·tion, nounre·mod·ern·ize, verb, re·mod·ern·ized, re·mod·ern·iz·ing.un·mod·ern·ized, adjective

Synonyms

See more synonyms for on Thesaurus.com

1. renovate, refurbish, update.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for modernization

Contemporary Examples

Despite recent attempts at democracy and modernization, Sark is full of quirks befitting its history.
The Crazy Medieval Island of Sark
Liza Foreman
October 4, 2014
As tourists pour in from around the world, the newly-formed democracy is trying to balance growth and modernization with heritage.
Can Traditional Bhutan Survive Tourism?
Esha Chhabra
August 17, 2014
Nearly half a mile down the mountain, the city of Medellín has its sights set on the future—on modernization, on redemption.
Pablo Escobar’s Private Prison Is Now Run by Monks for Senior Citizens
Jeff Campagna
June 7, 2014
The palace is a place where, for all the laudible efforts at modernization and innovation, convention is still king.
Who Would Want To Be A Royal Princess? Not Cressida Bonas...
Tom Sykes
May 5, 2014
But to spell out what that change and modernization would involve, in racial terms?
You’re in Denial if You Think Steve Israel Is Wrong About GOP Racism
Michael Tomasky
April 14, 2014

Historical Examples

As republicans, they were the Chinese vanguard of modernization.
Government in Republican China
Paul Myron Anthony Linebarger
Some of the parapets had to be 30 rebuilt for modernization.
The Building of Castello de San Marcos
Albert C. Manucy
Hugo has selected the first and the best part of the Chanson for modernization.
La Lgende des Sicles
Victor Hugo
Production of capabilities and skills required for modernization and industrialization considered to be a major goal.
Area Handbook for Albania
Eugene K. Keefe
The Flemish gables and Spanish arcades, not a vestige of modernization marring the effect, make a unique picture.
In the Heart of Vosges
Matilda Betham-Edwards

British Dictionary definitions for modernization

modernize

modernise

verb

(tr) to make modern in appearance or styleto modernize a room
(intr) to adopt modern ways, ideas, etc

Derived Formsmodernization or modernisation, nounmodernizer or moderniser, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for modernization

n.

1770, from modernize + -ation.

modernize

v.

1748, from modern + -ize, or from French moderniser. Related: Modernized; modernizing; modernizer.

modernize

Origin of .css-1fxfie5{font-size:22px;}@media (max-width:768px){.css-1fxfie5{font-size:18px;margin:0 10px 10px 0;word-break:break-all;word-wrap:break-word;-webkit-hyphens:auto;-moz-hyphens:auto;-ms-hyphens:auto;hyphens:auto;line-height:22px;}}modernize

Synonyms

Related Words

Examples from the Web for modernization

Contemporary Examples

Despite recent attempts at democracy and modernization, Sark is full of quirks befitting its history.

As tourists pour in from around the world, the newly-formed democracy is trying to balance growth and modernization with heritage.

Nearly half a mile down the mountain, the city of Medellín has its sights set on the future—on modernization, on redemption.

The palace is a place where, for all the laudible efforts at modernization and innovation, convention is still king.

But to spell out what that change and modernization would involve, in racial terms?

Historical Examples

As republicans, they were the Chinese vanguard of modernization.

Some of the parapets had to be 30 rebuilt for modernization.

Hugo has selected the first and the best part of the Chanson for modernization.

Production of capabilities and skills required for modernization and industrialization considered to be a major goal.

The Flemish gables and Spanish arcades, not a vestige of modernization marring the effect, make a unique picture.

modernize

modernise

Word Origin and History for modernization

n.

modernize

v.

Origin of modernize