modernize

American  

[mod-er-nahyz] / ˈmɒd ərˌnaɪz /

especially British, modernise

verb (used with object)

modernized, modernizing

1. to make modern; give a new or modern character or appearance to: to modernize a kitchen.

   to modernize one's ideas;

   to modernize a kitchen.

   Synonyms:

   update, refurbish, renovate

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verb (used without object)

modernized, modernizing

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

modernize British  

/ ˈmɒdəˌnaɪz /

verb

1. (tr) to make modern in appearance or style

   to modernize a room

2. (intr) to adopt modern ways, ideas, etc

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Other Word Forms

• modernization noun
• modernizer noun
• overmodernize verb
• remodernize verb
• unmodernized adjective

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."

Example Sentences

The White House argues that rebuilding the site would help modernize the federal prison system and expand capacity for high-risk inmates.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

IBM suffered its worst day in 25 years, compounded by Anthropic’s announcement that its Claude AI could modernize COBOL, the programming language holding IBM’s mainframe empire together.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 19, 2026

The initiative aims to modernize shareholder engagement, enable 24-hour trading, and maintain a regulated market.

From Barron's • Mar. 9, 2026

Early gains from small language models are emerging, and the company is working more closely with major AI providers to modernize platforms in markets it knows well.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 9, 2026

In 1876, elected President of Bowdoin College, where he attempts to modernize the school, introducing courses in science, de-emphasizing religion, and becomes involved in student demonstrations over the question of ROTC.

From "The Killer Angels: The Classic Novel of the Civil War" by Michael Shaara

Related Words

• improve
• rejuvenate
• remake
• renovate
• restore
• revamp
• revive
• update