innovate

verb

in·​no·​vate ˈi-nə-ˌvāt How to pronounce innovate (audio)
innovated; innovating
Synonyms of innovate

intransitive verb

: to make changes : do something in a new way

transitive verb

1
: to introduce as or as if new
2
archaic : to effect a change in
The dictates of my father were … not to be altered, innovated, or even discussed …—Sir Walter Scott
innovator
ˈi-nə-ˌvā-tər How to pronounce innovate (audio)
noun
innovatory
ˈi-nə-və-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce innovate (audio)
ˈi-nə-ˌvā-tə-rē
adjective

Synonyms of innovate

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Examples of innovate in a Sentence

The company plans to continue innovating and experimenting. The company innovated a new operating system.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Allies and adversaries alike are now engaged in an arms race, ramping up drone production and use in an attempt to innovate their way to the cutting edge. — Seth G. Jones, Foreign Affairs, 3 Sep. 2026 The glory days of popular nameplates like the Lancer Evolution, Galant and Eclipse may have come and gone, but the Japanese automaker isn't done innovating. — Charles Singh, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026 But, obviously, marching band and first-line directors have been dealing with these issues since time memorial, so Byrne is innovating as part of a fine tradition. — Chris Willman, Variety, 2 Sep. 2026 Marketing must generate demand, supply chain must optimize logistics and product must innovate. — Guy Yehiav, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for innovate

Word History

Etymology

Latin innovatus, past participle of innovare, from in- + novus new — more at new

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of innovate was in 1548

Rhymes for innovate

See All Rhymes for innovate

Browse Nearby Words

innovant
innovate
innovation
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Cite this Entry

“Innovate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/innovate. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

innovate

verb
in·​no·​vate ˈin-ə-ˌvāt How to pronounce innovate (audio)
innovated; innovating
: to introduce something new
innovate a new website
: do something in a new way
innovative
-ˌvāt-iv
adjective
innovator
-ˌvāt-ər How to pronounce innovate (audio)
noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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