renew

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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
3a : to restore to existence : reviveb : to make extensive changes in : rebuild
4 : to do again : repeat
5 : to begin again : resume
6 : replace, replenish renew water in a tank
7a : to grant or obtain an extension of or on renew a licenseb : 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

Another candidate for the job is former Cavs general manager David Griffin, whose contract was not renewed this month despite his team’s reaching three straight NBA finals.

— adam k. raymond, Daily Intelligencer, "Now That Phil Jackson Is Gone, What’s Next for the Knicks?", 29 June 2017
With the help of the community, who donated everything from hair and makeup services to a three-tier cake, nine couples (all residents) renewed their wedding vows.

— meghan overdeep, Southern Living, "Nine Couples Renew Their Vows at South Carolina Senior Facility", 29 June 2017
These days, 1 in 8 Americans ingest or smoke marijuana, and the drug faces renewed scrutiny as more states wrestle with legalization.

— lacy schley, Discover Magazine, "Everything Worth Knowing About ... Marijuana", 26 June 2017
After the Mavericks took Texas to overtime in 2015, the Longhorns informed UTA that their contract to play each year in Austin, in place since 2011, would not be renewed after the 2016-17 season.

— matthew martinez, star-telegram.com, "After embarrassing losses, Power 5 teams are avoiding UT Arlington", 23 June 2017
Bradley Davis, the senior naval science teacher at Ramona High School for the past two years, has decided not to renew his contract, so Ramona Unified School District is advertising for candidates to replace him.

— Ramona Sentinel, "News Briefs: Chamber at county fair, overdue taxes, NJROTC opening", 21 June 2017
The wounding of the Irish tourist generated headlines across the Atlantic, renewing international attention on New Orleans' crime problems seven months after a mass shooting on Bourbon Street.

— jonathan bullington, NOLA.com, "New Orleans gun violence on the rise in 2017", 21 June 2017
Oil prices are back in bear-market territory, frustrating OPEC members that cut production in an attempt to boost prices and renewing fears that falling prices could spill into stocks and other markets.

— timothy puko, WSJ, "Oil Returns to Bear Market", 20 June 2017
As NATO and Yugoslavia renewed hostilities a two-pronged strike force of U.S. stealth aircraft charged into Yugoslavia's national airspace, following a hail of long range missiles.

— joe pappalardo, Popular Mechanics, "What the Battles of the Past Tell Us About the New Air War Over Syria", 20 June 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

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

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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

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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

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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 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)