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

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 Inflation remains well above the Fed's 2% target, and a hotter-than-expected reading could renew pressure on policymakers to keep interest rates higher for longer. — Fred Imbert, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026 The series has been renewed for an additional 20 episodes, and cameras are already rolling. — Katie Campione, Deadline, 26 Aug. 2026 But according to the organization, her one-year membership expired in 2019 and was never renewed until August 2026. — Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 26 Aug. 2026 On their 50th wedding anniversary, Parton and Dean renewed their vows in a private and glamorous ceremony in Nashville, Tennessee. — Giovana Gelhoren, InStyle, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for renew

Recent Examples of Synonyms for renew

Verb

Iran and Oman, meanwhile, have agreed on a temporary maritime corridor intended to restore safer passage through the strait.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
The restoration was completed by Maldoror’s daughter, Annouchka de Andrade, who, over almost the last decade, has slowly tracked down, collected, and restored dozens of her mother’s film works.

— Zac Ntim, Deadline, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of restore

Verb

Porter has staked his claim as the starter opposite Stokes, though rookies McCoy and Masses should continue to challenge him for that role throughout the season.

— Sam Warren, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
Momentum continued into the first half of 2026, with a double-digit rise in sales, the company said.

— Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of continue

Verb

Deep sleepers will appreciate the gradual wake-up call from a large catalog of alarm sounds, and an alarm volume that reaches decibels capable of reviving a bear from its hibernation.

— Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 26 Aug. 2026
Following interest from Drake, Netflix vowed to revive the series in 2017 with original stars Ashley Walters and Kane Robinson reprising their roles as Dushane and Sully.

— Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of revive

Verb

Credit line reviews typically follow monthly or quarterly cycles; attrition models are refreshed periodically and applied in batch.

— Julie Conroy, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Some viewers had to refresh the page after receiving error messages, indicating high usage levels.

— Jenni Reid,Alex Buckmaster, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of refresh

Verb

Rourke, in fact, could resume practicing this week, coach Kyle Shanahan said.

— Matt Barrows, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
Iceland voted against resuming talks to join the European Union, officials announced Sunday, as concerns over sovereignty trumped arguments for European integration.

— Lauren Morganbesser, semafor.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of resume

Verb

Three years ago, FSU was undefeated, Travis was its heartbeat and Norvell appeared to have resurrected one of college football’s great empires.

— Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Aug. 2026
New York — Millennials, rejoice … the beloved video app Vine is being resurrected.

— Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of resurrect

Verb

Other performers have tried to replicate his command of audacious, boundary-pushing comedy, but few (if any) have succeeded.

— Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 26 Aug. 2026
But many say the dual leadership structure has put the company back on track, with Brockman able to make difficult calls with an authority that the outside executives cycling through couldn’t replicate.

— Alex Heath, Time, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of replicate

Cite this Entry

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“Renew.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/renew. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of renew

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