innovate

verb

in·​no·​vate ˈi-nə-ˌvāt How to pronounce innovate (audio)
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 noun
innovatory
ˈi-nə-və-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce innovate (audio)
ˈi-nə-ˌvā-tə-rē
adjective

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This is not to discount the opportunities to innovate but rather to reinforce the importance of understanding the structure of the market and the system into which one is selling. Mark Francis, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025 The Dragon line innovated the use of multiple subwoofers, last year upgrading eight-inch options with 12-inch subs, creating gut-quivering levels of deep bass to complement the superior sound from the massive (over 58-inches long) stainless-steel soundbar. Robert Ross, Robb Report, 26 Mar. 2025 With successful exits, new entrants and ways to continue innovating, the category isn’t expected to slow down any time soon. Emily Burns, WWD, 25 Mar. 2025 The works also showcase several techniques that are innovating in horology, such as Longwy enamel on faience and wood micro-marquetry – this year gracing a dome table clock for the first time. Carol Besler, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for innovate

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of innovate was in 1548

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Innovate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/innovate. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

innovate

verb
in·​no·​vate ˈin-ə-ˌvāt How to pronounce innovate (audio)
innovated; innovating
: to introduce something new
innovate a new website
: do something in a new way
innovative
-ˌvāt-iv
adjective
innovator noun

More from Merriam-Webster on innovate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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