RESTORE Synonyms: 38 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'restore' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of restore are refresh , rejuvenate , renew , and renovate . While all these words mean "to make like new," restore implies a return to an original state after depletion or loss. // restored a fine piece of furniture

Q: When would 'refresh' be a good substitute for 'restore'?

The words refresh and restore are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, refresh implies the supplying of something necessary to restore lost strength, animation, or power. // a refreshing drink

Q: When is 'rejuvenate' a more appropriate choice than 'restore'?

While the synonyms rejuvenate and restore are close in meaning, rejuvenate suggests the restoration of youthful vigor, powers, or appearance. // the change in jobs rejuvenated her spirits

Q: When might 'renew' be a better fit than 'restore'?

The words renew and restore 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

Q: When is it sensible to use 'renovate' instead of 'restore'?

The meanings of renovate and restore largely overlap; however, renovate suggests a renewing by cleansing, repairing, or rebuilding. // the apartment has been entirely renovated

restore

verb

ri-ˈstȯr

Definition of restore

as in to revive

to bring back to a former condition or vigor restore an old car

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in to return

to bring, send, or put back to a former or proper place restored the trophy to its proper place at the center of the shelf

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

take
remove

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb restore differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of restore are refresh, rejuvenate, renew, and renovate. While all these words mean "to make like new," restore implies a return to an original state after depletion or loss.

restored a fine piece of furniture

When would refresh be a good substitute for restore?

The words refresh and restore are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 restore?

While the synonyms rejuvenate and restore are close in meaning, rejuvenate suggests the restoration of youthful vigor, powers, or appearance.

the change in jobs rejuvenated her spirits

When might renew be a better fit than restore?

The words renew and restore 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

When is it sensible to use renovate instead of restore?

The meanings of renovate and restore largely overlap; however, renovate suggests a renewing by cleansing, repairing, or rebuilding.

the apartment has been entirely renovated

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 restore Eisenkot is campaigning on a promise to restore public trust in government, rebuild Israel’s security, and heal the divisions that have fractured the country. — Eric Cortellessa, Time, 26 Oct. 2026 Anthropic restored the models after roughly two weeks of tense negotiations. — Ashley Capoot,jordan Novet,annie Palmer,lora Kolodny,kai Nicol-Schwarz,caleigh Keating, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2026 It has been restored by expert horologists, and has most recently been on display in the lobby of Burberry’s headquarters on Horseferry House in Westminster. — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 26 Oct. 2026 Trump’s missing piece Across much of Latin America, voters fed up with rising crime have rewarded presidential candidates promising to restore order. — Isabel Debre, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for restore

Recent Examples of Synonyms for restore

Verb

Krusty’s attempt to revive his declining show during a Halloween special goes horribly wrong when the Devil arrives to collect on Bart’s deal to eliminate the competition.

— Joshua Kurp, Vulture, 26 Oct. 2026
The sighting of the faceless ghost revived the history of the unsolved murder all over again.

— Marcus Librizzi, The Conversation, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of revive

Verb

In the city of Hurricane in far southwestern Utah, a shipping container drifting down a street gave way Friday to a mess of mud and debris to be cleaned up as people who had evacuated earlier in the week returned home.

— MEAD GRUVER, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026
Juries returned a verdict of death for Paige Lawyer, Christopher Turner and Jason Thornburg.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of return

Verb

Under the pioneering spirit of art director Luca Nichetto, a global roster of names are refreshing this ages-old company’s profile, among them Swedish design studio Claesson Koivisto Rune.

— Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026
Days ago, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists refreshed its recommendations on menopause treatment options.

— Lyndon Haviland, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of refresh

Verb

Continue reading … DIRTY POLITICS — Antifa supporter charged with stealing GOP campaign signs in NY race to replace Stefanik.

— , FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026
It's called an exchange because borrowing entities, like a regional heating oil retailer, would be required to replace the same volume at a premium ahead of next year.

— Cooper Katz McKim, NPR, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of replace

Verb

The diversification strategy was on display last week, when the Montreal Port Authority (MPA) renewed its 2018 collaboration agreement with India’s Adani Group, the conglomerate that operates several Indian seaports including Mundra Port.

— Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2026
The property sits on a long-term lease held by the federal government, last renewed for 20 years in 2021.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of renew

Verb

The American luxury jewelry brand renovated the 2,717-square-foot boutique at 371 North Rodeo Drive as part of a broader strategy to elevate the brand’s presence in key markets.

— Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 26 Oct. 2026
Expansion continues The university is now spending nearly $300 million to renovate a 170,000-square-foot building that sits on nine acres near Los Angeles International Airport.

— Melody Petersen, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of renovate

Browse Nearby Words

restorative

restore

restored

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Restore.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restore. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of restore

verb

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