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

• establish
• pioneer
• initiate
• create
• introduce
• launch
• found
• institute

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

In the short-term the ability and volition to adapt while preserving an internal mora; compass, will shape business’ impact and reputation, but also their capacity to innovate and ultimately, their profitability. —Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025

The rivalries have been fierce, but the mutual drive to innovate and raise the bar is what has made this journey so special. —Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025

Thankfully, there have been many advancements in skincare over the years, with brands innovating vitamin C products that are both effective AND don’t go bad in the blink of an eye. —Marie Lodi, Flow Space, 9 July 2025

College campuses are great places to innovate, expand and refine service. —Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 July 2025

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

Rhymes for innovate

• abdicate
• abrogate
• acetate
• activate
• actuate
• adsorbate
• aggravate
• agitate
• alginate
• alienate
• allocate
• amputate

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