RENEW Synonyms: 84 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'renew' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of renew are refresh , rejuvenate , renovate , and restore . While all these words 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

Q: When might 'refresh' be a better fit than 'renew'?

The words refresh and renew can be used in similar contexts, but refresh implies the supplying of something necessary to restore lost strength, animation, or power. // a refreshing drink

Q: When is it sensible to use 'rejuvenate' instead of 'renew'?

In some situations, the words rejuvenate and renew are roughly equivalent. However, rejuvenate suggests the restoration of youthful vigor, powers, or appearance. // the change in jobs rejuvenated her spirits

Q: When can 'renovate' be used instead of 'renew'?

The words renovate and renew are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, renovate suggests a renewing by cleansing, repairing, or rebuilding. // the apartment has been entirely renovated

Q: When is 'restore' a more appropriate choice than 'renew'?

While the synonyms restore and renew are close in meaning, restore implies a return to an original state after depletion or loss. // restored a fine piece of furniture

renew

verb

ri-ˈnü

Definition of renew

as in to restore

to bring back to a former condition or vigor the trip to New York renewed our enthusiasm for travel

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in to continue

to begin again or return to after an interruption with daybreak, the rescue team will renew its efforts to reach the stranded mountain climbers

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to revive

to bring back to life, practice, or activity the spate of recent movies based on classic comic book characters has renewed interest in the comics themselves

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to repeat

to make or do again I can only renew my offer to help—it's up to them to accept it

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb renew differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of renew are refresh, rejuvenate, renovate, and restore. While all these words 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

When might refresh be a better fit than renew?

The words refresh and renew can be used in similar contexts, but refresh implies the supplying of something necessary to restore lost strength, animation, or power.

a refreshing drink

When is it sensible to use rejuvenate instead of renew?

In some situations, the words rejuvenate and renew are roughly equivalent. However, rejuvenate suggests the restoration of youthful vigor, powers, or appearance.

the change in jobs rejuvenated her spirits

When can renovate be used instead of renew?

The words renovate and renew are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, renovate suggests a renewing by cleansing, repairing, or rebuilding.

the apartment has been entirely renovated

When is restore a more appropriate choice than renew?

While the synonyms restore and renew are close in meaning, restore implies a return to an original state after depletion or loss.

restored a fine piece of furniture

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of renew Ulysses purchased the building, spent $90,000 per unit on renovations, and renewed the income restrictions for an additional 60 years. — Matthew Geiger, Denver Post, 20 Aug. 2026 Stuart Fails To Save The Universe has been renewed for a second season. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2026 The bridge program expires at the end of 2027 unless renewed. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2026 The recent death of actor James Van Der Beek at 48 has renewed attention on a question many younger adults are asking their doctors. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for renew

Recent Examples of Synonyms for renew

Verb

Preparations are underway to replace the foundation of this streetlight so wiring repairs can be made to restore lighting.

— Elle McLogan, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
Vestige currently has 25 properties in Spain in various states of being restored.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of restore

Verb

There’s no real conflict at the table, aside from Kyle continuing to harp on Gizelle lightly flirting with Mauricio on RHOP last season.

— Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 17 Aug. 2026
Even though the oil market continues to run at a deficit, the more oil that comes out of the strait, the longer the market can stave off a looming tipping point at which its reserves become insufficient to supply the world with enough oil.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of continue

Verb

But Roy’s story of Annie (Arjun Raina), a New Delhi architecture student caught in a vicious cycle of failing and repeating his studies, gradually reveals itself as a sharp and poignant portrayal of youth, deftly poised between hope and cynicism.

— Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 18 Aug. 2026
The reasons customers hesitate, why deals stall, or what causes operational issues to repeat themselves are often revealed in conversation, not in structured fields.

— Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of repeat

Verb

The idea is less frozen-in-time theme hotel and more modern luxury resort, and the latest room refreshes and restaurant additions have gotten it almost there.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
Best Women’s Clothing Deals There is no better time to refresh your closet than right now while Macy’s incredible summer sale is happening.

— Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of refresh

Verb

The two soon stumble back into the cult that created the plague doctor — a cult in which people are killed and resurrected, taken apart and rebuilt.

— S.M. Hallow, PEOPLE, 18 Aug. 2026
Developer Shawn Kennedy of Kennedy Properties & Development, in partnership with Tim Sittema of Crosland Southeast, want to resurrect the Excelsior Club on Beatties Ford Road, which was once an iconic social and cultural hub for Black residents.

— Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of resurrect

Verb

Arkansas is among many Southern states that hope to replicate the success of Mississippi in pulling up reading scores.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Aug. 2026
Remark’s goal is to replicate the intuition and memory of a human advisor, creating a cohesive experience where the digital rack is always being assembled for the shopper.

— Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of replicate

Cite this Entry

Style

“Renew.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/renew. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of renew

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