retool

verb

re·​tool (ˌ)rē-ˈtül How to pronounce retool (audio)
retooled; retooling; retools
Synonyms of retoolnext

transitive verb

1
: to reequip with tools
2
: reorganize
3
: revise, modify

intransitive verb

: to make especially minor changes or improvements
retool for the future

Examples of retool in a Sentence

The factory has been retooled. The company is retooling its sales strategies. The company is retooling for the future.
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.
Politicians on both sides of the aisle will have to retool their approaches accordingly. — Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 23 June 2026 Add in the transfer-portal impact, in which colleges can retool and restock without even signing prep prospects — and landing a full ride has never been more of a daunting task. — Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 11 June 2026 That could be seen as an exciting proposition for the roster-retooling New York Rangers, who always seem to be interested in big stars. — Vincent Z. Mercogliano, New York Times, 23 June 2026 Against that backdrop, Art Basel has spent the last year retooling both its in-person fair experience and instituting support measures for its exhibitors. — Harrison Jacobs, ARTnews.com, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for retool

Word History

First Known Use

1917, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of retool was in 1917

Rhymes for retool

See All Rhymes for retool

Browse Nearby Words

retonation wave
retool
retorsio facti
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Retool.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retool. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

retool

verb
re·​tool (ˈ)rē-ˈtül How to pronounce retool (audio)
1
: to equip again with new or different tools
retool a factory
2
: to make changes or improvements to
retool that idea

More from Merriam-Webster on retool

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for retool

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