Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Showing results for renewal. Search instead for enewal.
Synonyms

renewal

American  
[ri-noo-uhl, -nyoo-] / rɪˈnu əl, -ˈnyu- /

noun

  1. the act of renewing.

  2. the state of being renewed.

  3. an instance of this.


renewal British  
/ rɪˈnjuːəl /

noun

  1. the act of renewing or state of being renewed

  2. something that is renewed

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Etymology

Origin of renewal

First recorded in 1675–85; renew + -al 2

Explanation

Renewal is the act or process of restoring or reviving something, giving it a fresh burst of life. It could be a forest regrowing after a fire, or a person finding new energy after a good rest. The word renewal comes from the idea of making something "new again." In nature, spring is often seen as a time of renewal, when trees sprout fresh leaves, flowers bloom, and warming temperatures lift people's spirits. Societal renewal can involve refocusing on founding principles and ideals. Urban renewal can include updating community parks, rebuilding roads, and renovating buildings, bringing new life to a city. More simply, a renewal might be an official continuation of an expired contract, law, or subscription.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing renewal

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Some policies allow a “no-exam” renewal or conversion without health changes, but the premiums still rise.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 9, 2026

The journey brought recognition and the renewal of old Czernowitz ties.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

Leclerc signed his last deal in 2024 and Ferrari say this renewal will keep him with the team for the "coming seasons".

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026

The letter, dated June 1, addressed to Greer and Mexico's Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard, says "Canada recommends the renewal of the agreement for another 16 years."

From Barron's • Jun. 2, 2026

When we return to the car, Apa slumps in his seat and grips the green-card renewal forms with his brown callused fingers.

From "A Step from Heaven" by An Na

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "renewal" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com