renew

verb

re·​new ri-ˈnü 

-ˈnyü

renewed; renewing; renews

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

• freshen
• recharge
• recreate
• refresh
• refreshen
• regenerate
• rejuvenate
• repair
• restore
• resuscitate
• revitalize
• revive
• revivify

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

Maher, having just renewed for another two seasons, is likely to at least match Letterman. —Bob Guccione Jr., SPIN, 10 Dec. 2024

The pact renewed a handful of different agreements on multiple fronts across the U.S. and Europe. —Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 9 Dec. 2024

The couple, who renewed their vows in 2016 at their home in Nashville, have been married for 58 years. —Shyla Watson, People.com, 9 Dec. 2024

After his election in January 2022, Mayor Adams continued the practice, renewing it with his signature every five days. —Graham Rayman, New York Daily News, 9 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

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

Kids Definition

renew

verb

re·​new ri-ˈn(y)ü 

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 

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- 

noun

renewable

-ˈnü-ə-bəl, -ˈnyü- 

adjective