Synonyms of renovate

renovate

verb

ˈre-nə-ˌvāt 

as in to repair

to put into good shape or working order again

will have to renovate the house extensively before we can move in

Synonyms & Similar Words

• repair
• rebuild
• reconstruct
• fix
• restore
• overhaul
• patch
• revamp
• recondition
• adjust
• renew
• modify
• mend
• refurbish
• maintain
• help
• improve
• refresh
• doctor
• prepare
• revive
• aid
• condition
• regenerate
• fix up
• cure
• furbish
• heal
• revitalize
• ready
• freshen
• right
• rejuvenate
• service
• rectify
• enhance
• better
• enrich
• care (for)
• reform
• redress
• ameliorate
• correct
• refreshen
• meliorate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• hurt
• break
• ruin
• impair
• injure
• damage
• spoil
• harm
• wreck
• deface
• flaw
• mar
• disfigure
• vandalize
• mutilate
• cripple
• disable
• blemish
• maim
• mangle

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb renovate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of renovate are refresh, rejuvenate, renew, and restore. While all these words mean "to make like new," renovate suggests a renewing by cleansing, repairing, or rebuilding.

the apartment has been entirely renovated

When is it sensible to use refresh instead of renovate?

While the synonyms refresh and renovate are close in meaning, refresh implies the supplying of something necessary to restore lost strength, animation, or power.

a refreshing drink

When is rejuvenate a more appropriate choice than renovate?

While in some cases nearly identical to renovate, rejuvenate suggests the restoration of youthful vigor, powers, or appearance.

the change in jobs rejuvenated her spirits

When would renew be a good substitute for renovate?

The words renew and renovate can be used in similar contexts, but 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

Where would restore be a reasonable alternative to renovate?

Although the words restore and renovate have much in common, restore implies a return to an original state after depletion or loss.

restored a fine piece of furniture

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of renovate

The Rooms The hotel has 72 guest rooms and suites, some of which are still being renovated. —Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 30 May 2026

City spokesperson Erin Spicer said the plan now is to just renovate the beach. —Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 May 2026

Beverly’s reluctance to relocate continues, and Danny tries to see if there's a way to renovate their 400-year-old Italian home to be more accessible for her. —Jane Lacroix, PEOPLE, 29 May 2026

Cruise lines are renovating ships and adding destination-specific programming for Alaska. —Josh Rivera, USA Today, 29 May 2026

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