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

Its aims appear to be twofold: to appeal to print nostalgists while modernizing in ways that will cultivate a new generation of readers.

From The Wall Street Journal

To boost the U.S. shipbuilding industry, the Navy is going to be looking to open several new shipyards across the country, as well as modernizing existing shipyard practices, Phelan said.

From The Wall Street Journal

The approved weapons sales, announced in the U.S. late Wednesday, are intended to support Taipei’s efforts to “modernize its armed forces and to maintain a credible defensive capability,” the Pentagon’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency said.

From The Wall Street Journal

The program aims to deploy teams of engineers, data scientists, and technology leaders to modernize the federal government and fast-track AI adoption.

From Barron's

The program aims to deploy teams of engineers, data scientists, and technology leaders to modernize the federal government and fast-track AI adoption.

From Barron's

Related Words

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