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

But Raya, who grew up in the Mexican town of Irapuato and met legendary Mexican muralist Jose Chavez Morado as a child, had his interest in art renewed by a teacher at Crane High School.

— william lee, chicagotribune.com, "Why we stay: Notable Chicagoans talk about why they call city home", 2 June 2017
The series has been renewed for next season; 10 p.m. Thursday on KIRO.

— seattle times staff, The Seattle Times, "TV Picks for Thursday, June 1: ‘The Amazing Race’", 1 June 2017
Trump’s move to renew the waiver for six months keeps the U.S. embassy in Tel Aviv for now.

— associated press, Washington Post, "The Latest: Jordan welcomes decision delaying embassy move", 1 June 2017
By 2012, only a few old-timers remained, including Ms. Bowman, who, through a lucky break, had renewed her 10-year lease in 2002, just before the street took off.

— steven kurutz, New York Times, "Bleecker Street’s Swerve From Luxe Shops to Vacant Stores", 31 May 2017
The two leaders also agreed to renew dialogue about the long-standing conflict in Ukraine, over which the countries are also at odds, as well as the mistreatment of gays in Chechnya and of non-governmental organizations throughout Russia.

— yasmeen serhan, The Atlantic, "Macron, Standing Alongside Putin, Says Russian Media Spread 'Falsehoods'", 30 May 2017
The party will renew its commitment to uphold individual rights and civil liberties.

— svenja o'donnell, Bloomberg.com, "Labour Vows More U.K. Police, Intelligence Staff to Reverse Cuts", 27 May 2017
That was one of the big reasons why Johnson hired Yasir Rosemond as an assistant earlier this month to replace associate head coach Bob Simon, whose contract was not renewed.

— rainer sabin, AL.com, "How Alabama's new assistant could make recruiting impact", 26 May 2017
In the final days of session, Republicans who control the Statehouse pushed through a bill that will likely prevent Ricker's owner Jay Ricker from renewing his licenses in the future.

— brian slodysko, Post-Tribune, "Lawmakers to study Indiana's alcohol laws, including Sunday sales ban", 25 May 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.

14th Century

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)