innovate
IHN-uh-vayt
Innovate (verb) means to introduce new ideas, methods, or products. Example: “The company innovates constantly to stay ahead of rivals.”
verb
1
To introduce new ideas, methods, or products.
"to innovate a word or an act"
"The company innovates constantly to stay ahead of rivals."
"Small teams often innovate faster than large corporations."
"The Russian defense industrial base (DIB) continues to innovate military equipment and weapons for Russian forces to use in Ukraine."
— , Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, February 4, 2025 (2025)
"Japanese retail stores have strove to, and have succeeded in, fulfilling these severe demands, and in doing so, have constantly had to innovate both technologically and institutionally in order to keep up with the competition."
— Hideo Otake, Revising the Interpretation of the Japanese Economy (2013)
How to use innovate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo come up with something new, or change how things are done.
Common pairings
innovate quickly
constantly innovate
innovate in a market
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- innovates
- Past tense
- innovated
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The company _____ constantly to stay ahead of rivals.
Etymology
From Latin innovare, "to renew" — in- ("into") plus novus ("new").
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for innovate
See all rhymes for innovate →Frequently asked questions
What does “innovate” mean?
The word “innovate” means to introduce new ideas, methods, or products. In plain terms, to come up with something new, or change how things are done.
How do you pronounce “innovate”?
“Innovate” is pronounced IHN-uh-vayt (/ˈɪn.ə.veɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “innovate” in a sentence?
Here is “innovate” used in a sentence: “The company innovates constantly to stay ahead of rivals.”
What is another word for “innovate”?
Words with a similar meaning to “innovate” include boldly go where no man has gone before, break new ground, novelize and pioneer.
What is the opposite of “innovate”?
The opposite of “innovate” — its antonyms — is imitate.
What part of speech is “innovate”?
“Innovate” is a verb.
Where does the word “innovate” come from?
The word “innovate” comes from Latin. From Latin innovare, "to renew" — in- ("into") plus novus ("new").
Is “innovate” a common word?
“Innovate” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
