renew
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to begin or take up again, as an acquaintance, a conversation, etc.; resume.
-
to make effective for an additional period.
to renew a lease.
-
to restore or replenish.
to renew a stock of goods.
- Synonyms:
- restock
-
to make, say, or do again.
-
to revive; reestablish.
-
to recover (youth, strength, etc.).
-
to restore to a former state; make new or as if new again.
- Synonyms:
- mend, reinstate, regenerate, rejuvenate, re-create
verb (used without object)
-
to begin again; recommence.
-
to renew a lease, note, etc.
-
to be restored to a former state; become new or as if new again.
verb
-
to take up again
-
(also intr) to begin (an activity) again; recommence
to renew an attempt
-
to restate or reaffirm (a promise, etc)
-
(also intr) to make (a lease, licence, or contract) valid or effective for a further period
-
to extend the period of loan of (a library book)
-
to regain or recover (vigour, strength, activity, etc)
-
to restore to a new or fresh condition
-
to replace (an old or worn-out part or piece)
-
to replenish (a supply, etc)
Synonym Usage
Renew, renovate, repair, restore suggest making something the way it formerly was. To renew means to bring back to an original condition of freshness and vigor: to renew one's enthusiasm. Renovate means to do over or make good any dilapidation of something: to renovate an old house. To repair is to put into good or sound condition; to make good any injury, damage, wear and tear, decay, etc.; to mend: to repair the roof of a house. To restore is to bring back to its former place or position something which has faded, disappeared, been lost, etc., or to reinstate a person in rank or position: to restore a king to his throne.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Conjugated Forms
Present
-
has renewedperfect 3rd person singular
-
have renewedperfect
-
renewssingular 3rd person
-
renewingparticiple
-
has been renewingperfect progressive 3rd person singular
-
are renewingprogressive
-
am renewingprogressive 1st person singular
-
have been renewingperfect progressive
-
is renewingprogressive 3rd person singular
Past
-
had renewedperfect
-
was renewingprogressive singular
-
renewedsimple
-
had been renewingperfect progressive
-
renewedparticiple
-
were renewingprogressive plural
Future
Etymology
Origin of renew
First recorded in 1325–75, renew is from the Middle English word renewen. See re-, new
Explanation
If you make something like new, you renew it. When you catch up with an old friend you haven't seen in a long time, you renew your friendship. To renew is to make new again. If you get a new due date for your library books, you've renewed them. If you forget to renew them, your books will be overdue, and you may have to pay a fine. Renew also means to revive, restore, or cause to appear in a new form. Historically, all kinds of tonics have claimed to renew a person's health, but many of the early ones actually contained poisons that could kill you.
Vocabulary lists containing renew
The Vernal Vocabulary of Spring
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Beowulf vocabulary
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
President Obama's second inaugural address
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Unified decision in a Thursday news conference and rally, urging county education officials to renew Locke’s charter.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026
Last Wednesday, Israel and Lebanon agreed to renew their ceasefire.
From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026
Meanwhile, oil prices broke a three-session streak of gains after Israel and Lebanon agreed to renew their fragile ceasefire, potentially addressing what had become a sticking point in U.S-Iran talks to end the war.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 4, 2026
All plans renew at higher rates after the initial 2 years, and the monthly-billed plan starts at $12.99.
From Salon • Jun. 2, 2026
We will bury it in our fields to renew their fertility and to assure that the baby will follow our ways.
From "Bless Me, Ultima" by Rudolfo Anaya
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
