renew

verb

re·​new ri-ˈnü How to pronounce renew (audio)
-ˈnyü
renewed; renewing; renews
Synonyms of renew

transitive verb

1
: to make like new : restore to freshness, vigor, or perfection
as we renew our strength in sleep
2
: to make new spiritually : regenerate
3
a
: to restore to existence : revive
b
: to make extensive changes in : rebuild
4
: to do again : repeat
5
: to begin again : resume
6
: replace, replenish
renew water in a tank
7
a
: to grant or obtain an extension of or on
renew a license
b
: to grant or obtain an extension on the loan of
renew a library book

intransitive verb

1
: to become new or as new
2
: to begin again : resume
3
: to make a renewal (as of a lease)
renewer noun

Synonyms of renew

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Choose the Right Synonym for renew

renew, restore, refresh, renovate, rejuvenate mean to make like new.

renew implies a restoration of what had become faded or disintegrated so that it seems like new.

efforts to renew the splendor of the old castle

restore implies a return to an original state after depletion or loss.

restored a fine piece of furniture

refresh implies the supplying of something necessary to restore lost strength, animation, or power.

a refreshing drink

renovate suggests a renewing by cleansing, repairing, or rebuilding.

the apartment has been entirely renovated

rejuvenate suggests the restoration of youthful vigor, powers, or appearance.

the change in jobs rejuvenated her spirits

Examples of renew in a Sentence

When you sleep, your body has a chance to renew itself. This discussion has renewed my hope of finding a solution to the problem. At the start of each school year, we renew our commitment to helping students succeed. She renewed her promise to come see me. They celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary by renewing their wedding vows. They have renewed their efforts to find a peaceful solution. The incident has renewed hostilities between the groups. They recently renewed their acquaintance after more than 10 years apart. If you haven't listened to this music since the 1960s, it's time to renew your acquaintance with these songs.
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.
When their landlord chose not to renew their lease, the owners opted to close than to find a new location, the post said. — Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026 The San Francisco Chronicle confirmed the shutdown through Horn’s spokesperson, who indicated that the chef decided not to renew the lease. — John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 7 Aug. 2026 Meanwhile, 89% believe their organizations absorb unnecessary financial losses from vendor contracts that automatically renew without anyone’s knowledge. — Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 7 Aug. 2026 Washington — The White House is renewing its effort to remove Lisa Cook from the Federal Reserve’s Board of Governors, according to a letter addressed to her attorney obtained by CNN. — Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for renew

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of renew was in the 14th century

Rhymes for renew

See All Rhymes for renew

Browse Nearby Words

renette
renew
renewable
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Renew.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/renew. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

renew

verb
re·​new ri-ˈn(y)ü How to pronounce renew (audio)
1
: to make or become new, fresh, or strong again
strength renewed by a night's rest
2
: to restore to existence
renew the splendor of a palace
3
: to do or make again
renew a complaint
4
: to begin again : resume
renewed efforts to make peace
5
: to put in a fresh supply of : replace
renew the water in a tank
6
: to grant or obtain an extension of : continue in force for another period
renew a lease
renew a subscription
renewer noun

Legal Definition

renew

transitive verb
re·​new ri-ˈnü, -ˈnyü How to pronounce renew (audio)
1
: to make like new : restore to freshness, vigor, or perfection
specifically : to prevent the lapse of (a judgment) due to expiration of a statute of limitations
2
: to do or state again
renewed his objection to the evidence
3
: to grant or obtain again or as an extension
renew a lease

intransitive verb

1
: to become new or as new
2
: to make a renewal (as of a contract)
renewability
-ˌnü-ə-ˈbi-lə-tē, -ˌnyü- How to pronounce renew (audio)
noun
renewable
-ˈnü-ə-bəl, -ˈnyü- How to pronounce renew (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on renew

Nglish: Translation of renew for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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