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

Example Sentences

Hershey unveiled a plan to expand beyond chocolate into high-growth snacking categories and modernize its supply chain.

From The Wall Street Journal

Dollar General is growing margins as it modernizes its approach to courting consumers, something that can help it sustain healthy profit growth.

From Barron's

They had signed contracts with Dubai Ports World to modernize the Port of Mariel.

From The Wall Street Journal

“By transforming local customer processes into Nordic-wide value chains and reducing, simplifying and modernizing technology systems and infrastructure, Nordea will make more effective use of its Nordic scale,” it said Tuesday.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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