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 The blast comes amid President Abelardo de la Espriella’s tougher security strategy, which includes ending rebel talks and renewing operations against gangs and armed groups. — Manuel Rueda, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026 His state funeral director and embalmer intern license had expired in 2019 and was never renewed, the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation (IDFPR) confirmed. — Dave Savini, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026 Yum renewed the sponsorship twice but ended its association with the race after the 2017 Derby, before its agreement was scheduled to expire in 2020. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Oct. 2026 In the Glades, Glades Central and Pahokee renew their annual Muck Bowl rivalry. — Gary Curreri, Sun Sentinel, 27 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for renew

Recent Examples of Synonyms for renew

Verb

Jennifer Shuford, who had been Texas’s health commissioner, was part of a team hired to restore confidence in the agency.

— Dan Diamond, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026
Officials said the speed caps were lifted on Saturday, and the service was restored.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of restore

Verb

Krusty’s attempt to revive his declining show during a Halloween special goes horribly wrong when the Devil arrives to collect on Bart’s deal to eliminate the competition.

— Joshua Kurp, Vulture, 26 Oct. 2026
The sighting of the faceless ghost revived the history of the unsolved murder all over again.

— Marcus Librizzi, The Conversation, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of revive

Verb

Under the pioneering spirit of art director Luca Nichetto, a global roster of names are refreshing this ages-old company’s profile, among them Swedish design studio Claesson Koivisto Rune.

— Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026
Days ago, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists refreshed its recommendations on menopause treatment options.

— Lyndon Haviland, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of refresh

Verb

There have been much smaller posture adjustments at several other embassies in the Middle East -- changes officials say are also linked to the Houthi threat and other matters not connected to any plan to resume combat against Iran.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
Gray also expects initial public offerings to resume once the market and geopolitical situation calms a bit.

— Michelle Fox, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of resume

Verb

Dodge resurrected the Dart name for 2013 as a compact sedan meant to rival stalwarts like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla.

— Matt Degen, AJC.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Munyon's Paw-Paw, an alcoholic beverage dating to the early 1900s, has been resurrected by two longtime spirits industry veterans who stumbled upon its unusual history during a family outing.

— Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of resurrect

Verb

Anthropic’s Claude Code tool quickly became a favorite among software developers after launching in early 2025, and the company sought to replicate that success for other office jobs earlier this year with its Cowork agent.

— Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2026
As the designer explains, revisiting 1930s Milan isn’t about exactly replicating a Portaluppi bathroom.

— Kristen Flanagan, Architectural Digest, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of replicate

Cite this Entry

Style

“Renew.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/renew. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of renew

verb

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