revolutionize

verb

rev·​o·​lu·​tion·​ize ˌre-və-ˈlü-shə-ˌnīz How to pronounce revolutionize (audio)
revolutionized; revolutionizing
Synonyms of revolutionize

transitive verb

1
: to overthrow the established government of
2
: to imbue with revolutionary doctrines
3
: to change fundamentally or completely
revolutionize an industry

intransitive verb

: to engage in revolution
revolutionizer noun

Examples of revolutionize in a Sentence

The invention of the airplane revolutionized travel. This new drug may revolutionize cancer treatment. This discovery has revolutionized our understanding of how the human brain works.
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.
The eight-time pro bowler and Hall of Famer helped revolutionize the linebacker position, starring for the Chicago Bears from 1952 to 1965. — Marie Saavedra, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026 Electricity turned on the lights, revolutionized manufacturing, and upended our evolved biorhythms. — Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2026 This is the basic technology that revolutionized US oil a decade ago, and made the country by far the world’s top producer. — Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 22 Oct. 2026 An investment research firm wanted to prove AI could revolutionize drug development. — Robert Hart, The Verge, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for revolutionize

Word History

Etymology

revolution + -ize

First Known Use

1797, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of revolutionize was in 1797

Rhymes for revolutionize

See All Rhymes for revolutionize

Browse Nearby Words

revolutionist
revolutionize
revolutionizer
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Revolutionize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/revolutionize. Accessed 2 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

revolutionize

verb
rev·​o·​lu·​tion·​ize ˌrev-ə-ˈlü-shə-ˌnīz How to pronounce revolutionize (audio)
revolutionized; revolutionizing
1
: to overthrow the established government of
2
: to cause a person to become a revolutionist
3
: to change greatly or completely
an invention that revolutionized the industry
revolutionizer noun

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