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 next

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 Not coincidentally, Netanyahu’s coalition—which dominates the Knesset with a majority of sixty-four seats, out of a hundred and twenty—has renewed its legislative assault on the court. —

Bernard Avishai, New Yorker, 18 May 2026 Under the proposal, phone providers may have to collect more information from new and renewing customers before giving them access to service. —

Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 17 May 2026 The overall performance has been enough to convince Sky to renew SNL UK for a second season. —

Jake Kanter, Deadline, 17 May 2026 The number of suspensions could stay elevated for a couple of weeks as the businesses work toward getting their permits renewed. —

Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 16 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for renew

Recent Examples of Synonyms for renew

Verb

This was the era of decolonization, when nation-states delivered one-third of humanity from the humiliation of imperial rule, restoring political autonomy and dignity where they had long been removed.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 May 2026
Real change begins when communities insist on solutions that restore dignity, stability, and hope rather than pushing people out of sight.

— Shianne LeClaire, Hartford Courant, 17 May 2026