What does "renew" mean?
Synonym of renewal.
Renew
/ɹɪˈnjuː/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Synonym of renewal.
- Grammar: renew is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: accommodate, adapt, adjust, alter.
- Useful contrasts: aged scroll, antique object, physical weathering surface.
- Usage evidence: It looks like we've been able to fill in that one year gap and renew our old friendship.
How to use "renew"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "renew" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "renew" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "renew" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "renew" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "renew" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "accommodate" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "renew", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 Synonym of renewal.
Verb
- 1 To make (something) new again; to restore to freshness or original condition. transitive
"In such a night Medea gather’d the enchanted herbs That did renew old Æson."
- 2 cause to appear in a new form wordnet
- 3 To replace (something which has broken etc.); to replenish (something which has been exhausted), to keep up a required supply of. transitive
- 4 reestablish on a new, usually improved, basis or make new or like new wordnet
- 5 To make new spiritually; to regenerate.
"And fassion not youre selves lyke vnto this worlde: But be ye chaunged in youre shape by the renuynge of youre wittes that ye maye fele what thynge that good yt acceptable and perfaycte will of god is."
Show 4 more definitions
- 6 To become new, or as new; to revive. archaic, intransitive
"[…] to such as are in fear they strike a great impression, renew many times, and recal such chimeras and terrible fictions into their minds."
- 7 To begin again; to recommence. transitive
"This murder has been a cold case for decades until last year when the new sheriff renewed the investigation."
- 8 To repeat. rare
"The birds their notes renew, and bleating herds Attest their joy, that hill and valley rings."
- 9 To extend a period of loan, especially a library book that is due to be returned. intransitive, transitive
"I'd like to renew these three books. Did you know that you can renew online?"
Antonyms
Example
"It looks like we've been able to fill in that one year gap and renew our old friendship."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "renew"?
Common synonyms include: accommodate, adapt, adjust, alter, ameliorate, amend.
How do you use "renew" in a sentence?
It looks like we've been able to fill in that one year gap and renew our old friendship.
How do you pronounce "renew"?
Pronounced /ɹɪˈnjuː/.
Etymology
From Middle English renewen, an alteration (possibly on analogy with Latin renovāre) of earlier anewen (“to renew”), from Old English nīewian (“to restore; renovate; renew”), equivalent to re- + new. Cognate with Old High German giniuwōn (“to renew”), Middle High German geniuwen (“to renew”), Old Norse nýja (“to renew”).