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Synonyms

renovation

American  
[ren-uh-vey-shuhn] / ˌrɛn əˈveɪ ʃən /

noun

  1. the act or process of repairing, renewing, or restoring to good condition.

    The project will include interior and exterior renovation and rehabilitation to upgrade the school’s infrastructure.

  2. the act of reinvigorating or reviving.

    The transition to organic growing will require an investment of labor and capital to complete the orchard renovation, install new plantings, and build economic viability.

  3. Usually renovations something that has been repaired or restored to a better condition, or the work done to repair or restore something.

    Renovations to the theater include new doors and windows, a new lighting system, and a refurbished floor for the stage.

Etymology

Origin of renovation

First recorded in 1400–50, for an earlier sense; from Latin renovātiōn-, stem of renovātiō “renewal”; renovate ( def. ), -ion ( def. )

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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.

The La Brea Tar Pits’ Page Museum will close in July for a two-year renovation that will modernize the building and make it more accessible.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

Plus, a visit to South Carolina’s most expensive ZIP Code and a $500,000 home renovation in New Zealand.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

In 2020 the building was placed into receivership as it was undergoing a multi-million renovation.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

While the agents are still working with architects to price out a potential renovation plan for Behar’s home, the property is already back on the market—and they are busy speaking to interested parties about it.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 8, 2026

“I decided to start a family renovation business. Jonah’s all in. Right, Jonah?”

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam

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.