# renew

/ɹɪˈnu/ (US) · /ɹɪnjˈuː/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/renew
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. to extend a contract or loan

verb · CEFR B1

to make an agreement, like a passport or a library book, last for a longer time.

For teachers: to extend the period of validity of a contract, license, or loan agreement.

- I need to go to the library to renew my books for another two weeks.
- The tenant expressed a desire to renew the lease for another year, provided the landlord agreed to keep the rent at the current rate.

Usage: Often used with objects like 'passport', 'subscription', 'lease', or 'membership'.

### 2. to start again

verb · CEFR B2

to begin an activity again after a break.

For teachers: to resume or recommence an activity or relationship after an interruption.

- The two countries decided to renew their trade talks after the summer break.
- After a decade of silence, the estranged brothers decided to renew their relationship following their father's funeral.

Usage: Commonly collocates with 'efforts', 'interest', 'vows', or 'friendship'.

### 3. to restore or replace

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to make something look or feel new again by repairing or replacing parts.

For teachers: to restore something to its original state or to replace exhausted supplies.

- The spring rain helped to renew the dry garden and make it green again.
- The body has a remarkable ability to renew its own cells, though this process slows down significantly as we age.

## Examples

- I need to renew my passport before our trip next month.
- The two countries agreed to renew their diplomatic ties after years of silence.
- The tenant expressed a desire to renew the lease for another three years, provided the landlord agreed to repair the damaged roof.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.