restore

verb

ri-ˈstȯr How to pronounce restore (audio)
Definition of restorenext
1
as in to revive
to bring back to a former condition or vigor restore an old car

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
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

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 The stage is set for significant bittersweet moments that most old house owners can appreciate—restoring a historic property is, after all, the greatest love-hate relationship. —Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Apr. 2025 Hormone therapy’s rocky history Hormone therapy using estrogen alone or a combination of estrogen and progestin, a synthetic derivative of progesterone, restores estrogen levels and effectively treats menopausal symptoms. —Matthew Nudy, The Conversation, 4 Apr. 2025 Most waited until the following month to restore access, fearing repercussions. —Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025 His wife spent years observing him tirelessly work during tumultuous times to restore stability and order to the community. —J.m. Banks, Kansas City Star, 23 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for restore
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restore
  1. revive
  2. return
  3. replace
  4. refresh
  5. renew
  6. renovate
Verb
  • Carr, Trump's pick to lead the FCC, revived the complaint shortly after taking over.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Alessandro Michele revived this low-top, lace-up style in 2020, adding an archival label from the ’70s on the tongue, and keeping the textured GG sole, as well.
    — Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of revive
Verb
  • In January, a man returned home to South Australia from a trip to New Zealand to find an eastern brown snake had taken up residence in his house.
    — Kelli Bender, People.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • District court judges separately ruled in favor of Wilcox and Harris, finding their removals were unlawful and returning them to their roles.
    — Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of return
Verb
  • Jones, 46, whose father, Emil Jones Jr., led the state Senate for years before orchestrating to have his son replace him in 2009, is charged with bribery, use of an interstate facility to solicit bribery and lying to federal agents.
    — Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Three years later, board members sought to replace him.
    — Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of replace
Verb
  • Golf odds from BetOnline and leading online sportsbooks refresh periodically and are subject to change, including on futures, props and live betting.
    — Jay Ginsbach, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Celsius Hydration Feel refreshed and revitalized with Celsius Hydration caffeine-free hydration packets.
    — Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of refresh
Verb
  • Big advances in artificial intelligence have renewed some scientists’ dream of eventually understanding what dolphins are saying.
    — Melissa Hobson, Scientific American, 14 Apr. 2025
  • This gets you a one-year temporary residence permit that can be renewed annually.
    — Kathleen Peddicord, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of renew
Verb
  • While the building has been renovated several times in the past few years, the front office and several classrooms in the front part of the building remain.
    — Alecia Taylor, Kansas City Star, 3 Apr. 2025
  • April 3, 2025 Located near Philadelphia's ritzy Rittenhouse Square, the elegant 162-year-old home was restored and renovated in 2019.
    — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of renovate

Browse Nearby Words

restorative
restore
restored
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Restore.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restore. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.

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