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

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.
Recent Examples of renovate This could be a plumbing or electrical issue that gets out of hand and forces you to renovate the foundation or do major damage control. Lisa Stardust, People.com, 10 Feb. 2025 The house had recently been renovated, top to bottom, and looked beautiful, with arched doors and glossy hardwoods. Paige Williams, The New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2025 The property, located near the Luxembourg Gardens in Paris’s 6th arrondissement, had not been renovated since the 1980s. Annabelle Dufraigne, Architectural Digest, 4 Feb. 2025 The mix of renovating office spaces, coupled with newer spaces to live and have fun are helping businesses bring workers back to the office. Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 3 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for renovate 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for renovate
Verb
  • This is probably due to the city trying to repair or add to the municipal water infrastructure.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 17 Feb. 2025
  • Darcey Silva has arrived at the 90 Day couple’s retreat as her twin sister Stacey tries to repair her relationship with husband Florian.
    Abigail Adams, People.com, 16 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • That can exacerbate pricing pressures already expected as the Los Angeles community rebuilds in the wake of last month’s wildfires.
    Alex Harring, CNBC, 17 Feb. 2025
  • Hibino’s firm rebuilt a kindergarten in Fukushima following the disastrous 2011 earthquake that claimed over 18,000 lives and caused the meltdown of three nuclear power reactors.
    Natalie Donback, TIME, 17 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • But to reconstruct past climate events, researchers in the field of historical climatology go beyond these natural indicators to examine those of society: the records and everyday-life reports of people who lived in those times.
    Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 13 Feb. 2025
  • Doctors had to reconstruct it with metal plates, screws and rods.
    Julie K. Brown, Miami Herald, 12 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Congress and the new administration have the power to fix the child care crisis.
    Reshma Saujani, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2025
  • Kinsey, however, did not believe identity was easily fixed or categorized and often, instead, spoke about behaviors.
    Mathew Rodriguez, Them, 20 Feb. 2025

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Thesaurus Entries Near renovate

Cite this Entry

“Renovate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/renovate. Accessed 25 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on renovate

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