renew

verb re·new \ ri-ˈnü , -ˈnyü \

Definition 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)

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renewer

noun

See renew defined for English-language learners

See renew defined for kids

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 of renew from the Web

As the chokehold of the Big Four loosens, an incredible pool of talent rises in the ranks, making now a thrilling time to renew your investment in American men’s tennis.

— chloé cooper jones, GQ, "U.S. Open 2017: These Are the Young Americans Who Will Save American Men’s Tennis," 28 Aug. 2017
At the same time, Texans may now hunt feral hogs and coyotes from hot air balloons, carry long knives and even swords in most parts of the state and pay less to get or renew a License to Carry handguns.

— anna m. tinsley, star-telegram, "Nearly 700 new Texas laws go into effect Sept. 1," 25 Aug. 2017
The group's charter expired on Sunday, and on Friday, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration acting administrator Ben Friedman told the group it would not be renewed.

— brittney mcnamara, Teen Vogue, "Former Northwestern Professor Accused of Murder Reportedly Acted on a Fantasy," 21 Aug. 2017
Its units are incapable of renewing the struggle tomorrow.

— Longreads, "Whose Fault Was Dunkirk?," 7 Aug. 2017
Fox just renewed Bolling's contract in June, putting the kibosh on speculation that the anchor and former commodities trader planned on joining the Trump administration.

— gabrielle bruney, Esquire, "A Fox News Host Has Been Accused of Sending Lewd Photos to His Colleagues," 5 Aug. 2017
Every GH Humanitarian Seal is a one year team, with the ability to be revaluated and renewed annually.

— Good Housekeeping, "The Good Housekeeping Humanitarian Seal: Frequently Asked Questions," 4 Aug. 2017
The violence peaked in the early 2000s, and eventually fell to a tenth of that level, but in a renewed bout since last year more than 400 people have died.

— The Economist, "Vale of darknessBuffeted by both India and Pakistan, it is the Kashmiris who suffer most," 20 July 2017
The Alabama Tourism Department in Montgomery has renewed a $9 million annual advertising contract with Birmingham's Intermark Group.

— lee roop | lroop@al.com, AL.com, "Tax-free weekend, OWA tickets, day care costs in AL.com business news," 18 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'renew.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of renew

14th century

renew Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of 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

RENEW Defined for English Language Learners

renew

verb

Definition of renew for English Language Learners

: to make (something) new, fresh, or strong again
: to make (a promise, vow, etc.) again
: to begin (something) again especially with more force or enthusiasm

RENEW Defined for Kids

renew

verb re·new \ ri-ˈnü , -ˈnyü \

Definition of renew for Students

renewed; renewing

1 :to make or become new, fresh, or strong again

We renewed our friendship.

2 :to make, do, or begin again

We renewed our efforts.

3 :to put in a fresh supply of

Renew the water in the tank.

4 :to continue in force for a new period

We renewed our lease.

Law Dictionary

renew

transitive verb re·new \ ri-ˈnü, -ˈnyü \

legal Definition of renew

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