renew

verb re·new \ ri-ˈnü , -ˈnyü \

|Updated on: 21 Jul 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: renew in a Sentence

Definition of renew

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

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

In Doncaster, a woman renewing her wedding vows structured her celebratory breakfast to coincide with the game.

— sophie gilbert, The Atlantic, "England’s Unfamiliar Emotion: Hope," 10 July 2018
Such designations run for five years and then must be renewed, explained Kevin Small, the town’s planning director and point person for the sustainable plan.

— allan vought, The Aegis, "Bel Air achieves several milestones, seeks sustainable community recertification," 10 July 2018
TfL refused Uber's request to renew its license to operate in the U.K. capital in September, just one month after Khosrowshahi joined the company, citing Uber's previous lack of cooperation with British regulators as grounds for denial.

— meredith carey, Condé Nast Traveler, "Uber Wins Right to Drive in London," 26 June 2018
Showing up to the Ministry of Interior one afternoon to renew his permit, Fisaha was informed that he’d been ordered to move to the detention center.

— brian goldstone, The New Republic, "Essential reporting, interpretation, and opinion on politics and culture. Don't miss our latest.," 26 June 2018
There are five alarm bells going off somewhere, and that's because Beyoncé and Jay-Z appeared to renew their vows in some new footage from the duo's On the Run II Tour, the sequel to their 2014 tour together.

— krystin arneson, Glamour, "Beyoncé Wore the Most Epic Dress in What Appears to Be a Vow Renewal Video with Jay-Z," 9 June 2018
In one shot, babies appear on the screen as the couple appears to renew their vows.

— erica gonzales, Harper's BAZAAR, "Beyoncé and JAY-Z Actually Aren't Holding Their Twins Rumi and Sir in Their Tour Footage," 7 June 2018
Atlanta opted not to renew Heath’s contract and he was later signed by Minnesota.

— iliana limón romero, Pro Soccer USA, "Former Orlando City SC players Kaylyn Kyle, Harrison Heath welcome son," 7 June 2018
Negotiations for such programs can easily stretch to at least 18 months, but the commission wants to make as much progress as possible before elections to renew the European Parliament—which usually is very supportive of research—in May 2019.

— tania rabesandratana, Science | AAAS, "Europe’s science spending set for another big boost," 31 May 2018

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

in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

renew Synonyms

Synonyms

freshen, recharge, recreate, refresh, refreshen, regenerate, rejuvenate, repair, restore, resuscitate, revitalize, revive;

refill, replenish, resupply;

modernize, update;

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