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

• reˌnewaˈbility, noun
• reˈnewable, adjective
• 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

Although some gyms across the US are reopening, many Americans have no plans to renew their memberships in a post-pandemic world, having found safer and cheaper ways to work out from their homes.

From Quartz

Through such civic service she gave back and renewed her health.

From Fortune

Yet Stop Hate for Profit succeeded in generating renewed debate about the presence of hate speech on the platform and did motivate discussions with advertisers and, to some degree, the public — about 20% of survey respondents approved of the boycott.

From Search Engine Land

The debate in Washington over continuing the support comes as the US recovery is likely to be battered by renewed business restrictions in states that failed to contain the coronavirus before reopening their economies.

From Quartz

When flies were allowed to start sleeping normally, it took about 15 days for their ROS levels to get close to baseline again — the same time it took for flies to be able to withstand renewed deprivation.

From Quanta Magazine

After Ferguson, we all must renew our efforts to eliminate the scourge of racism from American life.

From The Daily Beast

Yet when the ceasefire ended, and Israel offered to renew, Hamas started the war again.

From The Daily Beast

As is the norm, NBC has yet to renew or cancel the cult show Community at the end of the season.

From The Daily Beast

When the six-film contract expired, neither party was inclined to renew.

From The Daily Beast

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reportedly has been unable to issue or renew passports.

From The Daily Beast

He wishes to cultivate it still, and offers to renew the lease for any number of years, and pay the rent punctually.

From Project Gutenberg

“I shall renew the bombardment, and put every one of you to death in a few days,” threatened the Brahmin.

From Project Gutenberg

Well, friend L., I supposed thy Bank was about to fail, as thee could not renew a little paper for us this morning.

From Project Gutenberg

Not until forty-four years had elapsed did she renew her acquaintance with the family in the person of Peter Ilich.

From Project Gutenberg

The superstitious tyrant Maximin endeavoured to revive the dying paganism, and to renew the persecution.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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