retool

verb

re·​tool (ˌ)rē-ˈtül How to pronounce retool (audio)
retooled; retooling; retools
Synonyms of retoolnext

transitive verb

1
: to reequip with tools
2
: reorganize
3
: revise, modify

intransitive verb

: to make especially minor changes or improvements
retool for the future

Examples of retool in a Sentence

The factory has been retooled. The company is retooling its sales strategies. The company is retooling for the future.
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.
That forced the filmmakers to retool much of the story, though Fogelson said that some of the material that was cut could be used in the sequel. — Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 6 Aug. 2026 The 35-year company veteran is leading the logistics giant through multiple transitions—cutting billions in structural costs and retooling the company for the AI age. — Alyson Shontell, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2026 The American League East became more of a beast, the Philadelphia Phillies and San Diego Padres retooled, and the Mets sold — and sold and sold — on a busy final day before the MLB trade deadline. — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 3 Aug. 2026 Despite overcoming early battery recalls to post record sales figures, GM retired the hatchback to retool its factory for electric trucks and sunset its aging battery platform. — New Atlas, 2 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for retool

Word History

First Known Use

1917, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of retool was in 1917

Rhymes for retool

See All Rhymes for retool

Browse Nearby Words

retonation wave
retool
retorsio facti
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Cite this Entry

“Retool.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retool. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

retool

verb
re·​tool (ˈ)rē-ˈtül How to pronounce retool (audio)
1
: to equip again with new or different tools
retool a factory
2
: to make changes or improvements to
retool that idea

More from Merriam-Webster on retool

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