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 comes amid renewed international efforts for a ceasefire, with American officials delivering the first official proposal of a deal to Lebanese authorities.

From BBC

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

In that way, the determination to keep outsiders from entering the country is, in fact, a truer and, Taylor offers, renewed form of environmentalism.

From Salon

But from the time of Smyth’s prosecution, the family were given temporary residency permits, which had to be renewed every 30 days.

From BBC

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

From BBC

Related Words

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