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.
This year's family Halloween costume ideas take inspiration from buzzy movies and TV shows, nostalgic characters, pop culture moments, and classic themes that can be reinvented for 2026. — ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026 Other novelties included Kiss Kiss, reinvented in 2005 with Hervé Can der Straeten, and Rouge G, reinvented with Lorenz Bäumer featuring the famed double-mirror case. — Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 12 Aug. 2026 The Boston native and longtime Red Sox veteran has reinvented himself repeatedly, becoming one of the most unusual longevity stories of his generation. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026 The time of Dark Knight Returns and Watchmen and Maus is looked at like a revolutionary era at this point where comics were reinvented. — Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 11 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 18 Aug. 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

Nglish: Translation of reinvent for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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