restore

verb

re·​store ri-ˈstȯr 

restored; restoring

transitive verb

1

: give back, return

2

: to put or bring back into existence or use

3

: to bring back to or put back into a former or original state : renew

4

: to put again in possession of something

restorer noun

Synonyms

• freshen
• recharge
• recreate
• refresh
• refreshen
• regenerate
• rejuvenate
• renew
• repair
• resuscitate
• revitalize
• revive
• revivify

Choose the Right Synonym for restore

renew, restore, refresh, renovate, rejuvenate mean to make like new.

renew implies a restoration of what had become faded or disintegrated so that it seems like new.

efforts to renew the splendor of the old castle

restore implies a return to an original state after depletion or loss.

restored a fine piece of furniture

refresh implies the supplying of something necessary to restore lost strength, animation, or power.

a refreshing drink

renovate suggests a renewing by cleansing, repairing, or rebuilding.

the apartment has been entirely renovated

rejuvenate suggests the restoration of youthful vigor, powers, or appearance.

the change in jobs rejuvenated her spirits

Examples of restore in a Sentence

The police restored law and order.

The government needs to restore confidence in the economy.

an antique car that is being carefully restored

Recent Examples on the Web

During menopause, hot flashes and hormonal fluctuations can disrupt the hours of rest, causing women to need to restore energy with more time in bed. —Sofía Esquivel, Glamour, 24 Dec. 2024

The answer is to restore some semblance of address security and not give away real email addresses like confetti—a situation made worse given email address are often a primary user credential alongside passwords to log into sites and services. —Zak Doffman, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024

To help restore the Order's righteous path, Lila then destroys the genetic thinking machine, Anirul, which has been Valya and Tula's AI breeding index program. —Jeff Spry, Space.com, 24 Dec. 2024

These blend to restore and repair the skin barrier to promote improved radiance, refined pores, and smoother skin. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 24 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French restorer, from Latin restaurare to renew, rebuild, alteration of instaurare to renew

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

restore

verb

re·​store ri-ˈstō(ə)r 

-ˈstȯ(ə)r

restored; restoring

1

: return entry 1 sense 5

restored the purse to its owner

2

: to put or bring back into existence or use

restore harmony after an argument

3

: to bring back to or put back into an earlier or original state

restore an old house

4

: to put again in possession of something

restore the king to the throne

restorable

-ˈstōr-ə-bəl

-ˈstȯr-

adjective

restorer noun

Medical Definition

restore

transitive verb

re·​store ri-ˈstō(ə)r, -ˈstȯ(ə)r 

restored; restoring

: to bring back to or put back into a former or original state

a tooth restored with an inlay