renew

[ ri-noo, -nyoo ]

verb (used with object)

1. to begin or take up again, as an acquaintance, a conversation, etc.; resume.
2. to make effective for an additional period:

   to renew a lease.

3. to restore or replenish:

   to renew a stock of goods.

   Synonyms: restock

4. to make, say, or do again.
5. to revive; reestablish.
6. to recover (youth, strength, etc.).
7. to restore to a former state; make new or as if new again.

   Synonyms: mend, reinstate, regenerate, rejuvenate, re-create

verb (used without object)

1. to begin again; recommence.
2. to renew a lease, note, etc.
3. to be restored to a former state; become new or as if new again.

renew

/ rɪˈnjuː /

verb

1. to take up again
2. also intr to begin (an activity) again; recommence

   to renew an attempt

3. to restate or reaffirm (a promise, etc)
4. also intr to make (a lease, licence, or contract) valid or effective for a further period
5. to extend the period of loan of (a library book)
6. to regain or recover (vigour, strength, activity, etc)
7. to restore to a new or fresh condition
8. to replace (an old or worn-out part or piece)
9. to replenish (a supply, etc)

Derived Forms

• reˈnewable, adjective
• reˌnewaˈbility, noun
• reˈnewer, noun

Other Words From

• re·new·a·bly adverb
• re·new·er noun
• self-re·new·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of renew¹

First recorded in 1325–75, renew is from the Middle English word renewen. See re-, new

Synonym Study

Renew, renovate, repair, restore suggest making something the way it formerly was. To renew means to bring back to an original condition of freshness and vigor: to renew one's enthusiasm. Renovate means to do over or make good any dilapidation of something: to renovate an old house. To repair is to put into good or sound condition; to make good any injury, damage, wear and tear, decay, etc.; to mend: to repair the roof of a house. To restore is to bring back to its former place or position something which has faded, disappeared, been lost, etc., or to reinstate a person in rank or position: to restore a king to his throne.

Example Sentences

This could renew pressure around vice chancellors pay, even though it is a tiny fraction of the spending of universities with a turnover of £500m or more.

From BBC

Erasmus, however, says past results count for nothing when the two sides renew their rivalry in London.

From BBC

The league hopes to entice one or more of its national broadcast partners to renew their deals by adding streaming rights currently held by local teams.

From Los Angeles Times

Trump is also likely to renew his first-term drive to pull the United States out of the 75-year-old North Atlantic Treaty Organization, or at least to weaken the U.S. commitment to defend European countries against a Russian invasion.

From Los Angeles Times

If the new Congress fails to renew Biden-era subsidies, as many as 20 million users — especially middle and high income families — will see their health insurance costs rise.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• continue
• extend
• prolong
• reaffirm
• reestablish
• reopen
• repeat
• restate
• restore
• resume
• revive