What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
refurbish
Example
The company decided to refurbish the old office building instead of tearing it down. [refurbish: verb]
Example
After a few years of use, the sofa needed to be refurbished with new cushions and upholstery. [refurbished: past participle]
renovate
Example
The hotel will be closed for a few months while they renovate the rooms and lobby. [renovate: verb]
Example
The old house was in such bad shape that it needed a complete renovation before anyone could live in it. [renovation: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Renovate is more commonly used than refurbish in everyday language, especially when referring to changes made to a space or building. Refurbish is less common and usually used in the context of updating or refreshing an object or space.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between refurbish and renovate?
Both refurbish and renovate can be used in formal and informal contexts, but renovate may be considered more formal due to the extent of the changes involved.
