English Reference
noun

renewal

n.
US /ɹɪˈnuəɫ/ UK /ɹɪnjˈuːəl/ re·new·al UK spelling renewals

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    the act of extending a contract, subscription, or official document so it stays valid.

    the formal extension of the period of validity for a contract, license, or subscription.

    Simple

    I forgot to send the renewal for my passport before our holiday.

    In context

    The tenant requested a formal renewal of the lease agreement, citing a desire for long-term stability in the commercial district.

    Usage

    Often used with 'of', as in 'the renewal of a lease'.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    the process of making something old look or feel new and better again.

    the state or process of being made new, fresh, or strong again; often applied to urban areas or personal energy.

    Simple

    The city is planning an urban renewal project to fix the old docks.

    In context

    After a week in the mountains, she felt a profound sense of spiritual renewal and was ready to return to her demanding job.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Formal

    starting an activity or a feeling again after it had stopped.

    the resumption of an activity, relationship, or state after an interruption.

    Simple

    Spring brings a renewal of life to the forest after the long winter.

    In context

    The ceasefire led to a renewal of diplomatic talks between the two nations after years of silence.

    resumptionrecommencement
  4. 04 C2 Proficiency Technical Sport

    a second attack in fencing made immediately after the first one was blocked.

    a secondary offensive action made immediately after a parried one, typically without withdrawing the arm.

    Simple

    The fencer scored a point with a quick renewal after his first lunge was parried.

    In context

    The coach emphasised the importance of the renewal, instructing the athletes to maintain pressure even if the initial attack failed to land.

    remiseredoublement

Bone-resorbing cells (osteoclasts), by contrast, remove old bone as part of the skeleton's normal cycle of renewal.

ScienceDaily· 9 Sept 2026

An empty building becomes a cultural space, which becomes a community asset, and this becomes part of the renewal of a town.

The Guardian· 9 Sept 2026

From renew + -al.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated