reinvent

verb

re·​in·​vent ˌrē-ən-ˈvent How to pronounce reinvent (audio)
reinvented; reinventing; reinvents
Synonyms of reinventnext

transitive verb

1
: to make as if for the first time something already invented
reinvent the wheel
2
: to remake or redo completely
3
: to bring into use again
reinvention
ˌrē-ən-ˈven(t)-shən How to pronounce reinvent (audio)
noun

Examples of reinvent in a Sentence

The candidate promised to reinvent Social Security. chefs who reinvent regional favorites using exotic ingredients
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.
The show, Gunsmoke & Mirrors, is set in the late 19th century and chronicles the transformation of Christian Rørmose Madsen, who reinvented himself in the lawless crucible of the American West. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 2 Sep. 2026 This quintessential college campus from the 19th century is where a group of business, college and government leaders is working on the task of reinventing higher education for the 21st century. — Jon Marcus, NPR, 1 Sep. 2026 What Good Selection Actually Looks Like The good news is that neither problem requires us to reinvent hiring from scratch. — Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026 So Ryan goes back to the laboratory to reinvent the ampoules. — Scott Tobias, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reinvent

Word History

First Known Use

1686, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of reinvent was in 1686

Phrases Containing reinvent

Rhymes for reinvent

See All Rhymes for reinvent

Browse Nearby Words

reinvasion
reinvent
reinvent oneself
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

reinvent

verb
re·​in·​vent ˌrē-ən-ˈvent How to pronounce reinvent (audio)
1
: to make as if for the first time something already invented
reinvent the wheel
2
: to remake or redo completely
reinvented his musical style
reinvention
-ˈven-chən How to pronounce reinvent (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on reinvent

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for reinvent

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