modernize

verb

mod·​ern·​ize ˈmä-dər-ˌnīz How to pronounce modernize (audio)
modernized; modernizing

transitive verb

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

intransitive verb

: to adopt modern ways
modernizer noun

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 That growth has been mirrored elsewhere, forcing the body that oversees soccer in Catalonia — the Catalan Football Federation — to modernize, and quickly, to make sure all of the girls who want to play have a place to do so. María Garrido, New York Times, 24 May 2024 The overpass, which was built in 1982, will be modernized by connecting both sides of the station to remove physical and economic barriers separating the city’s residents. Tony Roberts, Baltimore Sun, 24 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for modernize 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'modernize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1716, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of modernize was in 1716

Dictionary Entries Near modernize

Cite this Entry

“Modernize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/modernize. Accessed 1 Jun. 2024.

Kids Definition

modernize

verb
mod·​ern·​ize ˈmäd-ər-ˌnīz How to pronounce modernize (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on modernize

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