noun
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the act of renewing or state of being renewed
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something that is renewed
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Etymology
Origin of renewal
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.
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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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.