modernize

verb

mod·​ern·​ize ˈmä-dər-ˌnīz 

modernized; modernizing

transitive verb

: to make modern (as in taste, style, or usage)

modernize a kitchen

intransitive verb

: to adopt modern ways

Older companies need to modernize to survive in the new economy.

modernizer noun

Synonyms of modernize

• redesign
• update
• streamline
• remake

Examples of modernize in a Sentence

We're modernizing our kitchen with a new oven, refrigerator, and dishwasher.

The country recently announced plans to begin modernizing its army.

The school needs a building with modernized classrooms.

Older companies will need to modernize quickly if they are to survive in today's economy.

Recent Examples on the Web

The Coast Guard awarded a $400 million contract to modernize Training Center Cape May in New Jersey, marking the largest shore construction award in the service's history. — Michael Sinkewicz , Kelsie Cairns, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026

The facility upgrades add capacity while modernizing the processes used to build the seekers. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 6 Oct. 2026

The housing authority said in a news release that the project will modernize the property and address critical building and site needs while maintaining affordable housing at the complex. — Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 6 Oct. 2026

The union says the measure is essential to modernizing the Fire Department to ensure Angelenos are safe. — Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1716, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for modernize

• advertise
• aggrandize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize
• butterflies

Kids Definition

modernize

verb

mod·​ern·​ize ˈmäd-ər-ˌnīz 

modernized; modernizing

: to make or become modern

especially : to change to suit present styles, tastes, or needs

modernization

ˌmäd-ər-nə-ˈzā-shən

noun

modernizer

ˈmäd-ər-ˌnī-zər

noun