China is working to modernize its weapons program.
Source: tatoeba (807678)
Modernize
/ˈmɒdənaɪz/
Synonyms for "modernize" (155 found)
Ranked by relevance and common usage.
Closest matches (31)
Verb(16 words)
actualizeadaptalgorithmizeamericanizecivilisedcivilizecivilize a nationcivilize behaviorcivilize institutionscivilize tribescleanedcomputerizedevelopdigitalisedigitalizedigitalized
Noun(11 words)
arts standards reformchange in governmentcivilizing policycloud computing revolutioncommunity traditions updatecomponent upgradecomputerizingcurrent conditioncurriculum updatedesign aestheticdigitalizing
Adjective(4 words)
changed policycontemporary dialoguecontemporary featurecultural reform
Strong matches (47)
Verb(25 words)
dynamizegentrifiedgentrifyindustrializeindustrializedindustrializesinnovateinnovatedmaintain supportabilitymechanisedmechanizingmodernisemotorizesobsolesceoriginalizeoverhauloverhauledprotourbanizingrationalizedredecorates
Show 5 more words
Noun(16 words)
electoral reformequipment upgradefrench revolution reformsgradual cultural system changeindustrializinginnovatingmanufacturing townmore revolutionary changemunicipal water system upgradeoverhaulingoverhaulspolicy reformingpublic management reformrefitrefittingreforming peacefully
Adjective(5 words)
industrial change processindustrial processmodern formmodern staterapid change technology
Related words (77)
Noun(25 words)
reformsrefurbishingrehabsremodellingretoolingretrofitsrevampsrevitalizingrevolutionarily changedrevolutionary actsrevolutionize classroom practicesrevolutionize curriculum designrevolutionize learningrevolutionize student engagementrevolutionizingrevolutionizing classroomssoftware upgrade changestate-government reformingtech infused curriculumtech revolutionizing
Show 5 more words
Verb(40 words)
refurbishrefurbishedrefurbishesreinvigoraterejuvenateremodeledrenovaterenovatesretoolretooledretrofittedreurbanizerevamprevampedreviserevitalizerevitalizedrevolutionizerevolutionize curriculumrevolutionize education
Show 20 more words
Adjective(5 words)
revolutionary actstate government reformstreamlined election systemurban society structureurbanized civilization
Choosing the right synonym
- Closest matches in this entry: actualize, adapt, algorithmize, americanize, arts standards reform.
- Sentence evidence is available for modernize, so synonym choice can be checked against real usage rather than a flat word list.
- Ranking signals come from derived_reverse, opengloss, wordnet.
Synonym selection checklist
- Match the part of speech before comparing meanings.
- Check whether the synonym changes intensity, formality, or emotional tone.
- Read the replacement inside the full sentence, not just beside "modernize".
- Prefer the clearest word over the most unusual word when writing for speed or comprehension.
When not to replace "modernize"
Keep "modernize" when the sentence already sounds natural, when a synonym would add unintended emphasis, or when readers need the most familiar wording. A synonym should clarify or sharpen the message, not simply make the sentence look more varied.
If two options seem close, choose the one that best matches the audience and purpose of the sentence.
Replacement workflow
1. Preserve meaning
Choose a synonym only if it keeps the core idea of "modernize" intact in the sentence you are editing.
2. Tune tone
Check whether the replacement sounds more formal, casual, emotional, technical, or forceful than the original word.
3. Re-read context
Read the full sentence after the swap. Keep the synonym only when the sentence becomes clearer or more precise.
Review note: Synonym lists are ranked with lexical data and reviewed for practical writing value. Use the comparison notes, sentence evidence, and source labels together; a high-ranking synonym can still be wrong when the audience, register, or grammar changes.
Final fit check
After choosing a replacement for "modernize", read the sentence once for meaning and once for rhythm. The best synonym should feel natural in the full sentence, not only accurate in a word list.
If the synonym makes the sentence slower, vaguer, or more dramatic than intended, keep "modernize" or choose a simpler alternative from the closest-match group.
Related word relations
OpenGloss and ConceptNet supply richer edges like generalizations, collocations, and derivations.
More general
4 entriesMore specific
8 entriescurriculum revisiondigital learning integrationequipment upgradepolicy modernizationprocess overhaulsoftware updatesystem upgradeteaching method update
Collocations
6 entriesmodernize classroomsmodernize curriculummodernize equipmentmodernize policiesmodernize standardsmodernize technology
Inflections
3 entriesDerivations
7 entriessimilar
2 entriesbuild updevelop
Sample sentences
10 total sentences available.
It's expensive to modernize a city.
Source: tatoeba (1417751)
Algeria needs to modernize its economy.
Source: tatoeba (7852513)
Algeria needs to modernize its education system.
Source: tatoeba (7856826)
Showing 4 of 10 available sentences.
Common questions
What are the closest synonyms for "modernize"?
Closest matches include actualize, adapt, algorithmize, americanize, arts standards reform.
How should I check whether a synonym fits "modernize"?
Compare the replacement against real sentence context. This entry includes sample sentences so you can check tone, grammar, and meaning before swapping words.