innovate

verb

in·​no·​vate ˈi-nə-ˌvāt 

innovated; innovating

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 

noun

innovatory

ˈi-nə-və-ˌtȯr-ē 

ˈi-nə-ˌvā-tə-rē

adjective

Synonyms

• begin
• constitute
• establish
• found
• inaugurate
• initiate
• institute
• introduce
• launch
• pioneer
• plant
• set up
• start

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

Encourage team members to share their ideas and solutions, reinforcing a culture where challenges are seen as opportunities to innovate and improve. —Brent Gleeson, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024

This principle has propelled the company to continually innovate, adapt and anticipate the ever-changing needs of the beauty industry. —Fairchild Studio, WWD, 13 Dec. 2024

And beyond homes and neighborhoods, Maryland’s industries and budding technology sectors demand robust energy to innovate and compete on a global stage. —Mark A. Aitken, Baltimore Sun, 9 Dec. 2024

But in between innovating new forms of payola and cozying up to authoritarian regimes, the Globes still found time to vote. —Jen Chaney, Vulture, 9 Dec. 2024

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

Kids Definition

innovate

verb

in·​no·​vate ˈin-ə-ˌvāt 

innovated; innovating

: to introduce something new

innovate a new website

: do something in a new way

innovative

-ˌvāt-iv

adjective

innovator

-ˌvāt-ər 

noun