as in rebuilding
to provide (something) with new parts that were not available when it was originally built
The factory has been retrofitted to meet the new safety regulations. We can retrofit your car with the new fuel system.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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 retrofitting
Brewster was not a subsequent occupant retrofitting someone else’s floor plan.
—
Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026
Freedom 250 has so far spent $10 million retrofitting six tractor-trailer trucks with mobile history exhibits created in partnership with Hillsdale College, a private conservative Christian school, and PragerU, a conservative media organization.
—Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 12 Feb. 2026
Superintendent Peggy Buffington said the school is no longer a viable option for the school district because of its age and difficulty in retrofitting it.
—Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2026
Choosing the right production line from the outset is far more cost-effective than retrofitting to meet sudden increases in order volume.
—Ken Bowles, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
Here, too, our development and manufacturing capabilities enable the introduction of sustainable electrical systems that are also suitable for retrofitting.
—CBS News, 26 Jan. 2026
Construction would involve building new crossings and retrofitting existing structures like culverts to allow animals to pass more easily, as well as extensive fencing — about 18 miles, according to Jang — on either side of the road to guide wildlife toward the crossings.
—Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 16 Jan. 2026
For legacy cruise brands, the name of the game is retrofitting older ships.
—Miami Herald, 31 Dec. 2025
Most of those projects are retrofitting existing buildings.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 16 Dec. 2025
Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026
Freedom 250 has so far spent $10 million retrofitting six tractor-trailer trucks with mobile history exhibits created in partnership with Hillsdale College, a private conservative Christian school, and PragerU, a conservative media organization.
—Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 12 Feb. 2026
Superintendent Peggy Buffington said the school is no longer a viable option for the school district because of its age and difficulty in retrofitting it.
—Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2026
Choosing the right production line from the outset is far more cost-effective than retrofitting to meet sudden increases in order volume.
—Ken Bowles, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
Here, too, our development and manufacturing capabilities enable the introduction of sustainable electrical systems that are also suitable for retrofitting.
—CBS News, 26 Jan. 2026
Construction would involve building new crossings and retrofitting existing structures like culverts to allow animals to pass more easily, as well as extensive fencing — about 18 miles, according to Jang — on either side of the road to guide wildlife toward the crossings.
—Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 16 Jan. 2026
For legacy cruise brands, the name of the game is retrofitting older ships.
—Miami Herald, 31 Dec. 2025
Most of those projects are retrofitting existing buildings.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 16 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retrofitting
Verb
-
This is not the lecture being offered elsewhere about tanking, which certainly appears to be the preferred method of rebuilding in today’s NBA.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
7 Feb. 2026
-
The next day, a neighbor explained that the owners were rebuilding to make the home fully accessible for their son, who was only a few years older than mine.—
Coley Gallagher,
The Orlando Sentinel,
7 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The show requires extensive script changes and dress rehearsals ahead of the taping in the evening, and contestants are building out their acts throughout the week.—
Itzel Luna,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Feb. 2026
-
What is the process for designing and building a hotel lobby?—
Nathan Diller,
USA Today,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Retrofitting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retrofitting. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
