# renewal

/ɹɪˈnuəɫ/ (US) · /ɹɪnjˈuːəl/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. extending an agreement

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- I forgot to send the renewal for my passport before our holiday.
- 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. improving or repairing

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- The city is planning an urban renewal project to fix the old docks.
- After a week in the mountains, she felt a profound sense of spiritual renewal and was ready to return to her demanding job.

### 3. starting again

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

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

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

- Spring brings a renewal of life to the forest after the long winter.
- The ceasefire led to a renewal of diplomatic talks between the two nations after years of silence.

### 4. fencing attack

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

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

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

- The fencer scored a point with a quick renewal after his first lunge was parried.
- The coach emphasised the importance of the renewal, instructing the athletes to maintain pressure even if the initial attack failed to land.

## Examples

- The library offers an easy online renewal for all borrowed books.
- The city council approved the urban renewal project to improve the old downtown area.
- The contract is subject to annual renewal, provided that both parties remain satisfied with the performance metrics established during the initial negotiation phase.

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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.