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 modernize

Contemporary Examples

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
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
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
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
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

Historical Examples

They did not do very much; all that they really did was to modernize a little.
The Birth of Yugoslavia, Volume 2
Henry Baerlein
Not much had been done to modernize the interior of the shop.
The Gallery
Roger Phillips Graham
He had the means to expand and modernize the place beyond recognition.
The Planet Strappers
Raymond Zinke Gallun
Besides this, he did much to modernize and beautify it as well.
The Spell of Belgium
Isabel Anderson
No attempt has been made to correct or modernize the printed French.
Chantilly in History and Art
Louise M. Richter

British Dictionary definitions for modernize

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 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 modernize

Contemporary Examples

In the end, I find it never fails to modernize even the most dramatic things.

It would support efforts to “onshore” production and leverage private capital to modernize transport and other public systems.

Some, Rand Paul and others, talk a little in general terms about how the party needs to “change” and “modernize.”

The only way out of this scenario is to reform and modernize the industry in the east of the country.

The first attempts to modernize the process were made by Thomas Edison and scientists working with American inventor.

Historical Examples

They did not do very much; all that they really did was to modernize a little.

Not much had been done to modernize the interior of the shop.

He had the means to expand and modernize the place beyond recognition.

Besides this, he did much to modernize and beautify it as well.

No attempt has been made to correct or modernize the printed French.

modernize

modernise

Word Origin and History for modernize

v.

Origin of modernize