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 Although Legoland added Galacticoaster, a modern indoor coaster, nearby this year, officials opted to restore Coastersaurus rather than replace it. — Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Aug. 2026 While additional crews have been brought in from other utilities to help restore power, there is no timeline yet on when everyone's power will be back on. — Sara MacHi, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026 For the first time, a medical device has been engineered to restore—with precision, measurement, and regulatory rigor—a biological conversation between skin and light that civilization has spent the last century trying to silence. — Tanya Akim, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026 The backdrop has become even tougher as higher Treasury yields and elevated oil prices, which pose a particular problem for energy-importing Japan, restore some of the macro forces favoring the dollar. — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for restore

Recent Examples of Synonyms for restore

Verb

The practice had been shelved soon after war broke out in Ukraine a few years back but revived following consultation with fans.

— Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
Africa’s largest oil and gas producer is pushing to revive hydrocarbon exploration in deepwater reserves at a time when global oil companies have retreated from their onshore Nigerian assets due to pipeline vandalism.

— Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of revive

Verb

The mysteries begin to mount practically from minute one, when John’s father returns home in his army uniform and tests John’s mettle by shooting an apple off his head with a handgun.

— Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 17 Aug. 2026
Add the remaining 2 tablespoons sesame oil and return the skillet to medium heat.

— Kate Williams, AJC.com, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of return

Verb

The idea is less frozen-in-time theme hotel and more modern luxury resort, and the latest room refreshes and restaurant additions have gotten it almost there.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
Best Women’s Clothing Deals There is no better time to refresh your closet than right now while Macy’s incredible summer sale is happening.

— Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of refresh

Verb

Zac Veen reached on a fielder's choice and moved to second when Jordan Beck walked before JT Brubaker replaced Sam Hentges with two out in the sixth.

— CBS News, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
Whitecaps midfielder Jeevan Badwal left with a concussion in the 18th minute and was replaced by Rayan Elloumi.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of replace

Verb

Clark said the case is likely to renew questions about how courts weigh public safety when deciding whether to release defendants before trial.

— Maddie White, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
But in New York City, where Mayor Zohran Mamdani has refused to renew the license for Waymo, cybersecurity has been missing from the debate over robotaxis.

— Joshua Hong, Fortune, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of renew

Verb

Summary Acclaimed golf course architect David McLay Kidd, known for Bandon Dunes and Nanea, is returning to Hawaii to renovate Turtle Bay's Arnold Palmer Golf Course on Oahu's North Shore.

— Erik Matuszewski, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
It was recently renovated, but the historic aspects were preserved.

— Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 12 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 19 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of restore

verb

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