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 Administration public health officials often cite the need to restore trust in public health systems after the coronavirus pandemic, when vaccine policy and the general public health response to the deadly pandemic became a highly polarizing topic in American politics. —Matt Brown, Denver Post, 8 Feb. 2026 This combo is harder for the moles to dig through again and can help restore the soil to its original structure. —Michelle Mastro, The Spruce, 7 Feb. 2026 The intuitive Moon moves through your 9th House of Travel, heightening the longing to explore ideas that restore hope and widen your world. —Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Feb. 2026 The fiscal guardrails, as they became known, have restored the state’s finances. —Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 7 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
  • Additionally, North Wilkesboro Speedway — once literally in ruins — was revived in 2023 for NASCAR’s All-Star Race, and this summer will host its first official Cup Series points race since 1996.
    — Jeff Gluck, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
  • The latest earnings reports from major technology companies have revived investors’ concerns about payoffs on elevated artificial intelligence (AI) spending.
    — TipRanks, CNBC, 8 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
  • The kitchen, renovated in 2022, has three ovens, dual refrigerator/freezers, two dishwashers, a marble island and a butler’s pantry.
    — Sara B. Hansen, Denver Post, 7 Feb. 2026
  • Amanda and Vincent DeRise slept in the living room while renovating the second floor of their 140-year-old New Jersey home.
    — Celia Fernandez Tasia Jensen, CNBC, 7 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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