retrofitted or retrofit; retrofitting; retrofits
Synonyms of retrofit

transitive verb

1
: to furnish (something, such as a computer, airplane, or building) with new or modified parts or equipment not available or considered necessary at the time of manufacture
2
: to install (new or modified parts or equipment) in something previously manufactured or constructed
3
: to adapt to a new purpose or need : modify
retrofit the story for a new audience

Did you know?

The concept of retrofitting became an urgent necessity during World War II, when weapons technology was advancing at an intense pace and planes and ships were becoming outdated even before their construction was complete, and the only solution was to retrofit the completed craft with the brand-new technology. Retrofitting was revived on a massive scale during the energy crisis of the 1970s, when new features were added to millions of old houses to make them more energy-efficient. Retrofitting is thus different from merely renovating, which may not involve any new technology at all.

Examples of retrofit in a Sentence

The factory has been retrofitted to meet the new safety regulations. We can retrofit your car with the new fuel system.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Besides, the company has spent much of its decade-long existence retrofitting normal cars with self-driving technology; the wheel is largely a vestigial inheritance. — Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026 Making ramps that were accessible with trailers, retrofitting hair and makeup trailers for disabled actors to be able to use. — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 10 Oct. 2026 Colleges should design advising, scheduling, and data systems for adult and returning learners from the start, not retrofit them as an afterthought. — Ruth Bauer, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026 The former hotel was retrofitted into a shelter within a matter of months. — Conor Wight, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for retrofit

Word History

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of retrofit was in 1949

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Cite this Entry

“Retrofit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retrofit. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

retrofit

verb
: to install (new or modified parts or equipment) in something previously manufactured or constructed

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