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Showing results for anew. Search instead for aknew.
Synonyms

anew

American  
[uh-noo, uh-nyoo] / əˈnu, əˈnju /

adverb

  1. over again; again; once more.

    to play the tune anew.

  2. in a new form or manner.

    to write the story anew.


anew British  
/ əˈnjuː /

adverb

  1. over again; once more

  2. in a different way; afresh

"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

Etymology

Origin of anew

before 1000; Middle English onew, of newe; see a- 2), Old English of niowe, probably modeled on Old French de neuf; replacing Old English edniwe once more

Explanation

When something happens anew, it happens again, but in a fresh way that might be different. Anew is a word to describe things that happen again but are more than just a rerun. If a couple takes their marriage vows anew, it's a little different than the first time. If a clothes trend happens anew, it's a revival of the original trend that probably won't be identical. This word applies to renewals and fresh starts of many kinds, though not always positive ones. Romances and barfights could both begin anew.

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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.

See Examples For:

It seems likely that with each passing year, humanity collectively forgets more of its cultural heritage than it manages to learn anew.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 23, 2026

Some of the renovations have been successful; fountains are running anew, including the long-dormant cascading water feature at the city’s popular Meridian Hill Park.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 2, 2026

At the border, you expect an easy entry; after all, as a lawful permanent resident, you generally do not need to seek admission anew each time you return from travel abroad.

From Slate Jun. 23, 2026

A time-hopping eight-part series follows a woman who returns to the idyllic town of her youth for a funeral, as old connections spark anew.

From The Wall Street Journal Jun. 10, 2026

In fear and wonder, Taran shrank back, his wound throbbing anew.

From "The Book of Three" by Lloyd Alexander

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