innovate

verb

in·​no·​vate ˈi-nə-ˌvāt 

innovated; innovating

intransitive verb

: to make changes : do something in a new way

transitive verb

1

: to introduce as or as if new

2

archaic : to effect a change in

The dictates of my father were … not to be altered, innovated, or even discussed …

—Sir Walter Scott

innovator

ˈi-nə-ˌvā-tər 

noun

innovatory

ˈi-nə-və-ˌtȯr-ē 

ˈi-nə-ˌvā-tə-rē

adjective

Synonyms

• begin
• constitute
• establish
• found
• inaugurate
• initiate
• institute
• introduce
• launch
• pioneer
• plant
• set up
• start

Examples of innovate in a Sentence

The company plans to continue innovating and experimenting.

The company innovated a new operating system.

Recent Examples on the Web

The tech industry will be watching to see if sales are affected, while also seeking to keep innovating under the new rules, for example, with wireless chargers. —George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 30 Dec. 2024

Ivan Toney’s exit and Igor Thiago’s injury in pre-season allowed Frank to innovate with a fluid frontline. —Ahmed Walid, The Athletic, 28 Dec. 2024

So, Andy and his team went to work and innovated a product called LiquiFill, a liquid filling system designed to refill bath dispensers like shampoo, conditioner, body wash and lotion in a faster, automated and hands-free way, lowering labor costs and encouraging the use of refillable bottles. —Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 28 Dec. 2024

However, in our fast-evolving environment, this preference can stifle an organization’s capacity to innovate. —Anna Barnhill, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin innovatus, past participle of innovare, from in- + novus new — more at new

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids Definition

innovate

verb

in·​no·​vate ˈin-ə-ˌvāt 

innovated; innovating

: to introduce something new

innovate a new website

: do something in a new way

innovative

-ˌvāt-iv

adjective

innovator

-ˌvāt-ər 

noun