renewal

noun

re·​new·​al ri-ˈnü-əl How to pronounce renewal (audio)
-ˈnyü-
Synonyms of renewalnext
1
: the act or process of renewing : repetition
2
: the quality or state of being renewed
3
: something (such as a subscription to a magazine) renewed
4
: something used for renewing
specifically : an expenditure that betters existing fixed assets
5
: the rebuilding of a large area (as of a city) by a public authority

Synonyms of renewal

Relevance
See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of renewal in a Sentence

The lease calls for yearly renewals. License renewals can be done online. You can get a 10 percent savings on subscription renewals. High fuel prices have led to a renewal of interest in electric cars. She uses flowers in her art as symbols of rebirth and renewal.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Like its Latin predecessor, the term has become associated with remedy and renewal, sometimes with reference to physical objects and other times signaling relationships. — Literary Hub, 27 July 2026 With no imminent suggestion of a renewal in Spain, The Athletic revealed that Arsenal are exploring a deal to bring the 26-year-old to the Emirates Stadium. — Mark Carey, New York Times, 27 July 2026 Untamed starring Eric Bana, whose breakout success as a limited series led to its renewal, recently wrapped production on Season 2. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 27 July 2026 This evolution positions activism as a crucial partner in Japan's corporate renewal. — Robert Daugherty, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for renewal

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of renewal was in 1603

Phrases Containing renewal

Rhymes for renewal

See All Rhymes for renewal

Browse Nearby Words

renewable fuse
renewal
renewed bark
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Renewal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/renewal. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

renewal

noun
re·​new·​al ri-ˈn(y)ü-əl How to pronounce renewal (audio)
1
: the act of renewing : the state of being renewed
2
: something renewed
3
: the rebuilding of a large area by a public authority
urban renewal

Legal Definition

renewal

noun
re·​new·​al ri-ˈnü-əl, -ˈnyü- How to pronounce renewal (audio)
1
: the act or process of renewing
a renewal of the copyright
2
: the quality or state of being renewed
3
: something renewed
4
: something used for renewing
specifically : an expenditure that betters existing fixed assets
5
: the rebuilding of a large area (as of a city) by a public authority

More from Merriam-Webster on renewal

Nglish: Translation of renewal for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about renewal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of spindrift

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Your vs. You're: How to Use Them Correctly
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

The Words of the Week - Jul. 31

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
asap street sign
Figure Out These Acronyms ASAP You don't have to be a NASA engineer to get these...
See All