modernize

American

[mod-er-nahyz] / ˈmɒd ərˌnaɪz /

especially British, modernise

verb (used with object)

modernized, modernizing

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

verb (used without object)

modernized, modernizing

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

modernize British

/ ˈmɒdəˌnaɪz /

verb

(tr) to make modern in appearance or style

to modernize a room
(intr) to adopt modern ways, ideas, etc

"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

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

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.

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

One order directed bank regulators to reform capital and liquidity rules and modernize appraisal regulations.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 13, 2026

The higher fees come as the board looks to modernize LAX ahead of a several high-profile events including the World Cup this summer, the 2027 Super Bowl and 2028 Olympics.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 10, 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

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023