modernize

verb

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

transitive verb

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

intransitive verb

: to adopt modern ways
Older companies need to modernize to survive in the new economy.
modernizer noun

Synonyms of modernize

Relevance
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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.
Beijing continues to modernize its military and to preserve the option of force. — Ningrong Liu, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026 Following the pattern of Manchester, East Hartford is looking to modernize its downtown with traffic roundabouts, a road diet and new pedestrian amenities. — Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 22 Oct. 2026 But Wang has incorporated drones and AI into his family’s farm in an effort to modernize and economize the work. — Rafi Schwartz, TheWeek, 21 Oct. 2026 Champion the improvement of IEEE’s digital infrastructure to eliminate manual processes and modernize interfaces. — Joanna Goodrich, IEEE Spectrum, 21 Oct. 2026 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

Rhymes for modernize

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Browse Nearby Words

modernization
modernize
modern languages
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Cite this Entry

“Modernize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/modernize. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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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
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