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

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

Decades of experience have shown that institutions must innovate and adapt to ensure every student graduates with a meaningful credential, equipped with foundational skills and knowledge to support them throughout their lifetime. —Andy Biggs, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024

One area, in particular, experiencing a cultural revolution is the Saudi culinary world, which is spearheaded by (and for) women, who are opening restaurants, running kitchens, and innovating around nutrition. —Paul Feinstein, Travel + Leisure, 24 Dec. 2024

His most recent album, Abdul Majeed Abdullah 2024, further cemented his legacy, achieving widespread popularity and showcasing his ability to innovate within his genre. —Hala Mustafa, Billboard, 23 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