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

In spring 2022, Oceania Cruises introduced a new kind of shore excursion: educational tours that focus on sustainability, showing passengers how people around the world are conserving their environment and innovating in an age of climate upheaval. —Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Nov. 2024

This puts the focus on operating within the RFP’s strict requirements rather than on collaborating and innovating to find the best solution. —Craig Crisler, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024

That will likely result in Detroit’s Big Three — Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis — becoming less competitive globally, as the rest of the world continues to innovate and produce more EVs. —Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 6 Nov. 2024

In response, thriller writers continue to innovate and refine their pacing techniques. —Jd Barker, Rolling Stone, 31 Oct. 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