RENOVATE Synonyms: 65 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

renovate

verb

ˈre-nə-ˌvāt

Definition of renovate

as in to repair

to put into good shape or working order again will have to renovate the house extensively before we can move in

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 Improving test scores, renovating the high school’s central campus and limiting taxpayer strife were top issues for many of them. —Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2025 In the years to follow, apartments would replace Jerry’s, Whittier Elementary School would get renovated, and the affordable Adare Manor apartments would fill an empty lot along Fairview Avenue. —Nick Rosenberger, Idaho Statesman, 4 Mar. 2025 The program’s original goal was to replace or renovate up to 28 city schools by 2020, the report from Tuesday says. —Shaela Foster, Baltimore Sun, 27 Feb. 2025 Balboa Park’s newly renovated and reopened Botanical Building and Gardens is a beautiful structure. —U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for renovate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for renovate

Verb

For now, locals will be repairing the damage—and wondering what is in store for them.

— Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
In this filme, based on the novel by Philip Beard, Sink’s Tess tries to repair her relationship with her drug-dealing biological father Nick (Theo Rossi) after the tragic death of her younger half-sister.

— Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 13 Mar. 2025