RENEW Synonyms: 84 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

renew

verb

ri-ˈnü

Definition of renew next

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

Relevance

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 Perez is still able to perform his job as president while the election campaign is going on — Antonio Rudiger’s contract was renewed last week and work has already begun on the make-up of Mourinho’s backroom staff and summer recruitment. —

Mario Cortegana, New York Times, 1 June 2026 The fire has renewed discussion about whether more could have been done to protect the site before disaster struck. —

J.m. Banks june 1, Kansas City Star, 1 June 2026 In 2023, the Rutgers University Senate had voted no confidence in Holloway, objecting to several of his actions, including not renewing the contract of Nancy Cantor, the popular chancellor of the Newark campus, and threatening to file an injunction against striking Rutgers faculty. —

Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026 The series, which premiered in January, has not yet been renewed for a second season. —

Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for renew

Recent Examples of Synonyms for renew

Verb

Wandering beyond the community’s gates, Art discovers a tree of life, the fruit of which briefly and poignantly restores his youth.

— Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 31 May 2026
In a 2017 study from the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, researchers found that when couples experience relational boredom, engaging in novel and growth-oriented activities together helps to restore relationship quality and reduce feelings of stagnation.

— Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026