modernize

[ mod-er-nahyz ]

/ ˈmɒd ərˌnaɪz /

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.

Nearby words

moderne, modernism, modernist, modernistic, modernity, modernize, modersohn-becker, modest, modesto, modesty, modesty panel

Also especially British, mod·ern·ise.

Origin of modernize

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

SYNONYMS FOR modernize

1 renovate, refurbish, update.

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR modernize ON THESAURUS.COM

Related forms

mod·ern·i·za·tion, nounmod·ern·iz·er, nounan·ti·mod·ern·i·za·tion, adjectiveo·ver·mod·ern·i·za·tion, noun

o·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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for modernize

In the end, I find it never fails to modernize even the most dramatic things.
‘Empire’ Review: Hip-Hop Musical Chairs with an Insane Soap Opera Twist|Judnick Mayard|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
It would support efforts to “onshore” production and leverage private capital to modernize transport and other public systems.
How Democrats Can Recover|Will Marshall|November 9, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Some, Rand Paul and others, talk a little in general terms about how the party needs to “change” and “modernize.”
You’re in Denial if You Think Steve Israel Is Wrong About GOP Racism|Michael Tomasky|April 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The only way out of this scenario is to reform and modernize the industry in the east of the country.
Is Ukraine Headed For Civil War?|Will Cathcart|February 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST

The first attempts to modernize the process were made by Thomas Edison and scientists working with American inventor.
The Death Penalty’s Gruesome Truth|Kent Sepkowitz|February 6, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He had no precedents by which to guide his steps, no example that he might modernize and follow.
H. R.|Edwin Lefevre
Inside their homeland, the communists are trying to maintain and modernize huge military forces.
State of the Union Addresses of Harry S. Truman|Harry S. Truman
We must modernize our unemployment insurance and establish a high-level commission on automation.
Complete State of the Union Addresses from 1790 to 2006|Various
And again, to help build or modernize 6,000 schools, to get students out of trailers and into high-tech classrooms.
Complete State of the Union Addresses from 1790 to 2006|Various
Mr. Lethbridge had the good sense to leave the house practically as he found it, and had not attempted to modernize it in any way.
The Passion for Life|Joseph Hocking

British Dictionary definitions for modernize

modernize

modernise

/ (ˈmɒdəˌnaɪz) /

verb

(tr) to make modern in appearance or styleto modernize a room

(intr) to adopt modern ways, ideas, etc

Derived Forms

modernization 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