modernize

verb

mod·​ern·​ize ˈmä-dər-ˌnīz How to pronounce modernize (audio)
modernized; modernizing

transitive verb

: to make modern (as in taste, style, or usage)

intransitive verb

: to adopt modern ways
modernizer noun

Examples of modernize in a Sentence

We're modernizing our kitchen with a new oven, refrigerator, and dishwasher. The country recently announced plans to begin modernizing its army. The school needs a building with modernized classrooms. Older companies will need to modernize quickly if they are to survive in today's economy.
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.
Running the air-traffic system is one of the few nonmilitary functions of the federal government which involve day-to-day operational responsibilities, and at times the F.A.A. has had difficulty modernizing its equipment, notably its computer systems. Matthew L. Wald, The New Yorker, 1 Feb. 2025 Yet, their failure to modernize their firefighting techniques proved devastating in 1861 when a fire destroyed a third of the city. Justin Hawkins / Made By History, TIME, 31 Jan. 2025 The Maryland Department of Human Services has created a new office designed to modernize the agency’s data collection and public reporting across its programs and divisions. Todd Karpovich, Baltimore Sun, 25 Jan. 2025 The Digital Service was created by President Barack Obama in 2014 to modernize the government's approach to technology. Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for modernize 

Word History

First Known Use

1716, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of modernize was in 1716

Dictionary Entries Near modernize

Cite this Entry

“Modernize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/modernize. Accessed 5 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

modernize

verb
mod·​ern·​ize ˈmäd-ər-ˌnīz How to pronounce modernize (audio)
modernized; modernizing
: to make or become modern
especially : to change to suit present styles, tastes, or needs
modernization
ˌmäd-ər-nə-ˈzā-shən
noun
modernizer
ˈmäd-ər-ˌnī-zər
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on modernize

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