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Showing results for renewal. Search instead for re-newal.
Synonyms

renewal

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

noun

renewals plural
  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

Inflected Forms

Nouns

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.

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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.

In his new book, “Communion: Finding My Way Back to Faith,” Vance reflects on the culture wars, a need for moral renewal in America and his conversion to a conservative form of Catholicism.

From Salon • Jun. 25, 2026

Bone is a dynamic tissue that undergoes continuous renewal through a process called bone remodeling.

From Science Daily • Jun. 25, 2026

In April, the FCC issued a seldom-used procedure known as an early license renewal order for ABC’s eight stations even though their current licenses had several years left to go.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 22, 2026

The Los Angeles school board voted 4 to 3 in March to deny the charter renewal, which set up the pending appeal before the county agency.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026

With a renewal of tenderness, however, they repaired to her room on leaving the dining-parlour, and sat with her till summoned to coffee.

From "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen

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