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

Relevance
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 Internet shutdowns, mass arrests, intimidation through mourning and fear have crushed public mobilization — while negotiations with powerful states restore the regime’s standing on the global stage. —Pegah Banihashemi, Chicago Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026 Out of China's shadow A great dream of Shinzo Abe was to convince the people of Japan to abandon unilateral pacifism and restore the country to a position of military strength. —Jeff Kingston, Time, 15 Feb. 2026 When skin starts feeling slick or congested, Medicube’s Zero Pore Pads help restore balance. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 15 Feb. 2026 His return marks a turning point in Dhaka, with analysts saying that Rahman has a mandate to restore political and economic stability. —J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 15 Feb. 2026 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
  • A week after reviving her Prince routine to honor fans during a meet at Minnesota, Chiles seamlessly transitioned back at Pauley Pavilion to her energetic routine set to a medley of hits by icons Janet Jackson, Whitney Houston, Stevie Wonder and Tina Turner.
    — Los Angeles Times Staff, Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2026
  • While hair oils and sprays can temporarily revive dull strands, glosses and glazes are best for a long-lasting finish.
    — Tessa Petak, InStyle, 15 Feb. 2026
Definition of revive
Verb
  • Ukrainian officials said 150 Ukrainian servicemen and seven civilians returned from Russian captivity.
    — DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE STAFF FROM WIRE REPORTS, Arkansas Online, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Austin Reaves, who was playing in his second game after returning from a 19-game absence, scores 13 of his 35 points in the fourth quarter.
    — Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
Definition of return
Verb
  • While there is broad agreement that the nine-member presidential council should step aside after failing to make headway against gangs or oversee the organization of elections, consensus has broken down over what and who should replace it.
    — JACQUELINE CHARLES MIAMI HERALD, Arkansas Online, 6 Feb. 2026
  • The suburbs have spread like a virus, replacing trees and foliage with concrete and stucco.
    — Felicia Feaster, AJC.com, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of replace
Verb
  • Details like antique glassware and petite vases of fresh flowers refreshed regularly help the rooms feel personable and intimate.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Feb. 2026
  • While several key players are already months into their rehabilitation from serious injuries – Nick Bosa, Fred Warner and Mykel Williams – their offensive catalyst sounds surprisingly refreshed only a few weeks after the season.
    — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 8 Feb. 2026
Definition of refresh
Verb
  • Laporta’s last two actions as president before the election process were to renew Fermin’s contract until 2031 and abandon the European Super League project.
    — Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
  • The series, which comes from Canadian studio Crave, was swiftly renewed after Season 1 debuted to far more fanfare than anyone might have expected.
    — Katie Campione, Deadline, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of renew
Verb
  • Robbie went to work renovating the property almost immediately, refinishing the hardwood floors, renovating and updating the kitchen, and repainting the entire home.
    — Joyce Chen, Architectural Digest, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Justin Mulcahy with the Anne Arundel County Police Department says the victim was renovating his home next door to the auto shop and met up with an acquaintance to discuss possibly renting it out.
    — JT Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 14 Feb. 2026
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 16 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on restore

Nglish: Translation of restore for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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