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

Growth is the priority—and data is the fuel Midsize manufacturers are focused on growing revenue, whether expanding market share, innovating products, attracting new customers, or entering new markets. —Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

As consumers move away from familiar chains, the brand must find ways to innovate and reconnect with its audience, while adapting to a rapidly evolving dining landscape. —Francisco Velasquez, Quartz, 4 Nov. 2024

Tesla and Elon Musk, meanwhile, will likely continue to astonish us by using practical solutions while innovating. —Michael Khouw, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2024

There is much uncertainty—and curiosity—about what each candidate could mean for Europe’s ability to innovate and regulate. —Byprarthana Prakash, Fortune Europe, 3 Nov. 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