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Modernize

v. capable, hopeful professional

What it means

To update something with current methods, equipment, or standards.

Reach for it when describing a concrete update without treating newer as automatically better

The grant will modernize the library's aging climate-control system.

Words to choose between 9

By register, from playful at the top to literary at the bottom. Tap a word to see when it fits.
playful
everyday
warm
professional
formal

  • playful

    revamp

    Fits when a substantial refresh should sound energetic and informal

    Careful Revamp is vague and can hide whether changes are structural or cosmetic.

  • everyday

    bring up to date

    Fits when plain wording best explains the aim

    Careful Bring up to date leaves the relevant current standard unnamed.

  • everyday

    update

    Fits when bringing information, equipment, or practice current is enough

    Careful An update can be minor and need not change underlying design.

  • warm

    renew

    Fits when restoring usefulness or vitality matters more than new technology

    Careful Renewal can return something to an earlier condition.

  • professional

    digitize

    Fits when analog information becomes digital

    Careful Digitizing preserves data format and may not improve workflow or access.

  • professional

    renovate

    Fits when repairing and improving a building or room is the task

    Careful Renovate concerns physical spaces and can preserve traditional systems.

  • professional

    retrofit

    Fits when new features are fitted to an existing asset

    Careful Retrofitting is a specific method and may leave most of the system unchanged.

  • professional

    upgrade

    Fits when performance or standard improves through replacement or enhancement

    Careful Upgrade implies improvement that should be demonstrated, not assumed.

  • formal

    reform

    Fits when changing rules or institutions addresses a problem

    Careful Reform need not make the result modern and can be politically loaded.

Opposites 3

  • outdate
  • neglect
  • revert

Common phrases 3

  • modernize a system

    The cooperative plans to modernize a system that still depends on paper forms.

  • modernize infrastructure

    The bond will modernize infrastructure without widening the road.

  • help modernize

    Open standards can help modernize the service without locking it to one vendor.

Usage notes

Keep in mind

Modernize should name the actual improvement. New technology can reduce repairability, access, privacy, or resilience.

Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: NaomiAmethyst, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Updated