modernize
Americanverb (used with object)
-
modernizes,
present (3rd person singular)
-
modernized,
past participle, past
-
modernizing
present participle
verb (used without object)
-
modernizes,
present (3rd person singular)
-
modernized,
past participle, past
-
modernizing
present participle
verb
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(tr) to make modern in appearance or style
to modernize a room
-
(intr) to adopt modern ways, ideas, etc
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
-
modernizesimple
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modernizessimple
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have modernizedperfect
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has modernizedperfect
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am modernizingprogressive
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are modernizingprogressive
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is modernizingprogressive
-
have been modernizingperfect progressive
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has been modernizingperfect progressive
Past
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modernizedsimple
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had modernizedperfect
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was modernizingprogressive
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were modernizingprogressive
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had been modernizingperfect progressive
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.
See Examples For:
Investors now plan an intensive program to modernize the mechanical, electrical, and air conditioning systems.
From Barron's ● Oct. 7, 2026
He argues the technology could modernize court infrastructure, aiding in case management, scheduling and document processing.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 1, 2026
In 2003 Congress directed the FAA to modernize aging air-traffic systems.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 22, 2026
“This incident underscores the need for additional funding to modernize aging infrastructure and prevent disruptions like this in the future,” he said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 22, 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
“When disaster strikes, families shouldn’t have to face a second disaster in the claims process. SB 876 modernizes laws that were written for a different era,” Padilla said in a statement.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 28, 2026
As Beijing modernizes its military, its formidable missile forces and other naval vessels, such as cutting-edge cruisers, are posing a concern for the U.S. and its allies.
From Reuters ● May 5, 2023
But one particularly interesting item on the menu is the charcuterie board, which takes an uber-popular appetizer option, modernizes it and roots it in Southern comfort food traditions.
From Salon ● Feb. 6, 2023
Moving forward, the exhibition design modernizes: the wainscoting recedes, the colored walls fade away, and in the last room we encounter Turner in the anachronistic surrounds of a contemporary white cube.
From New York Times ● Apr. 7, 2022
Mr Horne modernizes it into— "His uppermost short cloak was a bare thread."
From Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Vol 58, No. 357, July 1845 by Various
The sleek, white kitchen has since been thoroughly modernized, with marble countertops and a six-burner cooktop.
From Salon ● Sep. 24, 2026
“Even though we’re definitely encouraged by the way California has modernized the tax incentive recently,” Bajaria said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 10, 2026
The first DHC-515 -- the modernized version of the water bomber -- will go to Greece, Cote said, "in early 2028."
From Barron's ● Jul. 28, 2026
Rival toy company Spin Master, meanwhile, credits advances in automation for helping it streamline its manufacturing process for a modernized version of its Rubik’s Cube it is introducing later this year.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 14, 2026
Others preferred A-block’s modernized though undependable electronic locking system to B-block’s ancient, manually operated brakes and levers.
From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover
Kim has focused on modernizing his military and increasing missile production.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 13, 2026
He instructed the Defense Department to stop looking for perfection in its tech, and buy off-the-shelf products that are good enough, stressing the urgency of modernizing.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 10, 2026
The union says the measure is essential to modernizing the city’s Fire Department to make sure Angelenos are safe.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 6, 2026
“By modernizing and upgrading turbines, steam generators, and digital control systems at operating plants, uprates deliver substantial capacity gains without the multi-year timelines or interconnection bottlenecks associated with greenfield construction,” the blog post noted.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 6, 2026
He was in his forties and had talked about modernizing law enforcement in the region.
From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson
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.
