modernize
verb
mod·ern·ize
ˈmä-dər-ˌnīz 
modernized; modernizing
: to make modern (as in taste, style, or usage)
modernize a kitchen
: to adopt modern ways
Older companies need to modernize to survive in the new economy.
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
Our immigration system can and should be modernized to use existing technology to expedite background checks and documentation so immigrants can become citizens through a transparent, lawful process.
—
Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
While modernized, their authenticity and exoticism are part of their appeal to the larger community, said North Carolina State's Lean.
—Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 14 Feb. 2026
The rollout follows Amtrak’s debut of its NextGen Acela trains on the Northeast Corridor in 2025, reflecting a broader effort to modernize aging equipment across its national network.
—Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 14 Feb. 2026
Germany has committed 100 billion euros to modernize its military, and Poland is building up its armed forces with a goal of amassing 300,000 troops.
—Alan Cullison, The Atlantic, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for modernize
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Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
While modernized, their authenticity and exoticism are part of their appeal to the larger community, said North Carolina State's Lean.
—Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 14 Feb. 2026
The rollout follows Amtrak’s debut of its NextGen Acela trains on the Northeast Corridor in 2025, reflecting a broader effort to modernize aging equipment across its national network.
—Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 14 Feb. 2026
Germany has committed 100 billion euros to modernize its military, and Poland is building up its armed forces with a goal of amassing 300,000 troops.
—Alan Cullison, The Atlantic, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for modernize
Cite this Entry
“Modernize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/modernize. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
noun
ˌmäd-ər-nə-ˈzā-shən
modernizer
noun
ˈmäd-ər-ˌnī-zər
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