RESTORE Synonyms: 38 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'restore' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of restore are refresh , rejuvenate , renew , and renovate . While all these words mean "to make like new," restore implies a return to an original state after depletion or loss. // restored a fine piece of furniture

Q: When would 'refresh' be a good substitute for 'restore'?

The words refresh and restore are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, refresh implies the supplying of something necessary to restore lost strength, animation, or power. // a refreshing drink

Q: When is 'rejuvenate' a more appropriate choice than 'restore'?

While the synonyms rejuvenate and restore are close in meaning, rejuvenate suggests the restoration of youthful vigor, powers, or appearance. // the change in jobs rejuvenated her spirits

Q: When might 'renew' be a better fit than 'restore'?

The words renew and restore can be used in similar contexts, but renew implies a restoration of what had become faded or disintegrated so that it seems like new. // efforts to renew the splendor of the old castle

Q: When is it sensible to use 'renovate' instead of 'restore'?

The meanings of renovate and restore largely overlap; however, renovate suggests a renewing by cleansing, repairing, or rebuilding. // the apartment has been entirely renovated

restore

verb

ri-ˈstȯr

Definition of restore

as in to revive

to bring back to a former condition or vigor restore an old car

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in to return

to bring, send, or put back to a former or proper place restored the trophy to its proper place at the center of the shelf

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

take
remove

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb restore differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of restore are refresh, rejuvenate, renew, and renovate. While all these words mean "to make like new," restore implies a return to an original state after depletion or loss.

restored a fine piece of furniture

When would refresh be a good substitute for restore?

The words refresh and restore are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, refresh implies the supplying of something necessary to restore lost strength, animation, or power.

a refreshing drink

When is rejuvenate a more appropriate choice than restore?

While the synonyms rejuvenate and restore are close in meaning, rejuvenate suggests the restoration of youthful vigor, powers, or appearance.

the change in jobs rejuvenated her spirits

When might renew be a better fit than restore?

The words renew and restore can be used in similar contexts, but renew implies a restoration of what had become faded or disintegrated so that it seems like new.

efforts to renew the splendor of the old castle

When is it sensible to use renovate instead of restore?

The meanings of renovate and restore largely overlap; however, renovate suggests a renewing by cleansing, repairing, or rebuilding.

the apartment has been entirely renovated

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 restore Or does restoring contact always require one person to get quieter and stop raising concerns? — Angela Haupt, Time, 26 Aug. 2026 By using a stress ball or some therapy putty, people can exercise the muscles in their hand and fingers to gradually restore function. — Connie Etermadi, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026 The work included thinning trees, removing hazardous fuels and restoring forest health. — Karen Morfitt, CBS News, 26 Aug. 2026 Luk later posted on X that the account had been disabled because of the volume of calls and said Netanyahu’s team was working to restore it, directing people to Telegram in the meantime. — Deborah Danan, Sun Sentinel, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for restore

Recent Examples of Synonyms for restore

Verb

Deep sleepers will appreciate the gradual wake-up call from a large catalog of alarm sounds, and an alarm volume that reaches decibels capable of reviving a bear from its hibernation.

— Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 26 Aug. 2026
Following interest from Drake, Netflix vowed to revive the series in 2017 with original stars Ashley Walters and Kane Robinson reprising their roles as Dushane and Sully.

— Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of revive

Verb

Credit line reviews typically follow monthly or quarterly cycles; attrition models are refreshed periodically and applied in batch.

— Julie Conroy, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Some viewers had to refresh the page after receiving error messages, indicating high usage levels.

— Jenni Reid,Alex Buckmaster, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of refresh

Verb

Other goals, like a lactation room, upgrading the fire alarm system to a voice evacuation system for the whole building and replacing the elevator came later.

— Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 30 Aug. 2026
Summary Despite the digital shift, leading retailers are leveraging AI to enhance human customer connections, not replace them.

— John Hall, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of replace

Verb

Dean recalled in 2016 after the couple renewed their vows for their 50th wedding anniversary.

— Paris Close, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
My belief in the promise of the United States is endlessly renewed by the rich experiences of diverse people who moved to this nation for safety, freedom and opportunity.

— Patrice Onwuka, Washington Post, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of renew

Verb

The bridge’s 22 piers were seismically retrofitted from the water upward in 2002, but the underwater infrastructure supporting the piers hasn’t been renovated or upgraded since the bridge opened to traffic in 1969.

— David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Aug. 2026
There are a total of 39 units, most of which have been renovated as of 2024, swapping an old Florida aesthetic for something more contemporary island chic.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of renovate

Browse Nearby Words

restorative

restore

restored

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Restore.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restore. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of restore

verb

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