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.
Stapleton sees that as a prime example of chasing the competition rather than innovating. — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 11 Aug. 2026 But institutions and economic dynamism—how fast an economy innovates and shifts resources—also play a role in the dollar’s strength. — Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 11 Aug. 2026 Lancer, who plans to never retire, continues to innovate, blending expert credibility with a deep understanding of skin's self-healing capabilities. — Rachel Burchfield, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026 Wagh said the speed of change is forcing the military to innovate more quickly and use exercises like Northern Strike to test those lessons before troops encounter them in combat. — Olivianna Calmes, FOXNews.com, 9 Aug. 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Innovate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/innovate. Accessed 16 Aug. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on innovate

Nglish: Translation of innovate for Spanish Speakers

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