Synonyms of renew

renew

verb

ri-ˈnü 

1

as in to restore

to bring back to a former condition or vigor

the trip to New York renewed our enthusiasm for travel

Synonyms & Similar Words

• restore
• revive
• refresh
• recreate
• renovate
• replenish
• freshen
• regenerate
• redevelop
• revitalize
• rejuvenate
• repair
• revivify
• resuscitate
• recharge
• refreshen
• refurbish
• redesign
• reconstitute
• overhaul
• remodel
• refill
• recondition
• reclaim
• rehabilitate
• reengineer
• modernize
• update
• redo
• remake
• rehab
• resupply
• make over

2

as in to continue

to begin again or return to after an interruption

with daybreak, the rescue team will renew its efforts to reach the stranded mountain climbers

Synonyms & Similar Words

• continue
• resume
• restart
• reopen
• proceed (with)
• revive
• resuscitate
• pick up
• recrudesce

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• complete
• finish
• end
• conclude
• consummate
• finalize
• terminate
• cease
• discontinue
• stop
• check
• stay
• cut
• break
• can
• quit
• shut off
• halt
• drop
• desist
• scuttle
• leave off
• knock off
• belay

3

as in to revive

to bring back to life, practice, or activity

the spate of recent movies based on classic comic book characters has renewed interest in the comics themselves

Synonyms & Similar Words

• revive
• resurrect
• rekindle
• revitalize
• rejuvenate
• reanimate
• restart
• revivify
• resuscitate
• regenerate
• recharge
• reactivate
• jump-start
• rewake
• rewaken
• refresh
• kick-start
• reinvent
• refreshen

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• kill
• suppress
• extinguish
• quench

4

as in to repeat

to make or do again

I can only renew my offer to help—it's up to them to accept it

Synonyms & Similar Words

• repeat
• replicate
• redo
• duplicate
• recreate
• reiterate
• remake
• reprise
• reduplicate
• reinvent
• reenact

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb renew differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of renew are refresh, rejuvenate, renovate, and restore. While all these words 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

When might refresh be a better fit than renew?

The words refresh and renew can be used in similar contexts, but refresh implies the supplying of something necessary to restore lost strength, animation, or power.

a refreshing drink

When is it sensible to use rejuvenate instead of renew?

In some situations, the words rejuvenate and renew are roughly equivalent. However, rejuvenate suggests the restoration of youthful vigor, powers, or appearance.

the change in jobs rejuvenated her spirits

When can renovate be used instead of renew?

The words renovate and renew are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, renovate suggests a renewing by cleansing, repairing, or rebuilding.

the apartment has been entirely renovated

When is restore a more appropriate choice than renew?

While the synonyms restore and renew are close in meaning, restore implies a return to an original state after depletion or loss.

restored a fine piece of furniture

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of renew

By law, if voters choose not to renew the 1% earning tax, also known as the e-tax, the tax would be phased out gradually over 10 years. —Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 23 Mar. 2026

Some states added mandatory vision testing, or more frequent visits to the DMV to renew licenses in person. —Joel Rose, NPR, 23 Mar. 2026

The handful of senior attorneys who operate the program were abruptly reassigned to work in immigration courts last week, leaving in place only two support staff with no legal authority to approve or renew accreditation applications, sources with direct knowledge said. —Sarah N. Lynch, CBS News, 23 Mar. 2026

The attempt has renewed questions about Tehran’s military capabilities and how far its missiles can reach. —James Legge, CNN Money, 22 Mar. 2026