Definition of renewnext
1
2
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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of renew The restaurant, which opened in 1980, did not have its lease renewed. Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 16 July 2026 Should the show be renewed for season 4, Deadline states that Thornton would return to the negotiating table. Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026 The city entered into a memorandum of understanding with Flock in 2023, which expired in June and was not renewed. Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 15 July 2026 The record-breaking sale has also renewed debate among paleontologists over the private ownership of scientifically significant fossils. Paloma Chavez, PEOPLE, 14 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for renew
Recent Examples of Synonyms for renew
Verb
  • Dib said Venezuela’s recovery requires rebuilding the rule of law, restoring judicial independence and protecting civic space.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026
  • The hotel’s design concept weaves a story around the fictional historic Lamarck University, an homage to the French evolutionary theorist, which was supposedly founded in 1894, then abandoned in the 1940s, and ultimately restored by Marriott.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026
Verb
  • There is not one condition in which continuing with regular physical activity and exercise is not recommended.
    Nicole Williams, AJC.com, 6 July 2026
  • Sharp, a rookie second-round draft pick from Houston, continued to impress at both ends of the floor with big shots and big stops on defense.
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 6 July 2026
Verb
  • Florida State had won 19 consecutive games and appeared on its way to reviving its glory years before the committee’s decision didn’t go its way.
    Gabriel Burns, AJC.com, 15 July 2026
  • When Sex and the City was revived as And Just Like That, Cattrall declined to return.
    Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 15 July 2026
Verb
  • Perishable items shouldn’t sit out for more than an hour in temperatures above 90 degrees, a reminder worth repeating before every beach day, picnic or backyard cookout.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 14 July 2026
  • The new Fed leader repeated many of the themes from his first news conference last month, after officials voted to hold their benchmark lending rate steady for the fourth consecutive meeting.
    Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 14 July 2026
Verb
  • This past month, when the entire city was in the grip of basketball mania, my eyes have felt newly refreshed by the abundance of royal blue and traffic-cone orange on the streets.
    Sheldon Pearce, New Yorker, 3 July 2026
  • Sue Kim, director of color marketing at Cabot paints, says refreshing these pieces should never erase the charm.
    Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • The bank said previous interventions had only temporarily interrupted the yen’s slide before USD/JPY resumed climbing, and expects a similar pattern if authorities intervene again.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 6 July 2026
  • When play resumed in the seventh inning, the loud crackle of fireworks could be heard in the distance.
    Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 5 July 2026
Verb
  • In 2011, the brand was resurrected by seventh-generation master distiller Stephen Beam, a descendant of both the Dant and Beam families—yes, that Beam family.
    Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 15 July 2026
  • His monetary policy report to Congress resurrected a practice of reporting on the size of the money supply.
    Matt Peterson, CNBC, 15 July 2026
Verb
  • Mastros becomes the seventh position player to transfer to Georgia this offseason, as the Bulldogs continue to build up their 2027 roster and attempt to replicate the success from this past season.
    Hunter DeLauder, AJC.com, 15 July 2026
  • After an investigation was conducted, the Cruise Lines International Association and the International Maritime Organization implemented over 30 new safety rules and policies to avoid replicating the 2012 disaster, per CNN.
    Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 15 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Renew.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/renew. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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