Renew (r-n), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Reneved (-nd); p. pr. & vb. n. Renewing.] — Webster enters it under “renew”
Etymology: [Pref. re- + new. Cf. Renovate.]
1. To make new again; to restore to freshness, perfection, or vigor; to give new life to; to rejuvenate; to re In such a night Medea gathered the enchanted herbs That did renew old Shak.
2. Specifically, to substitute for (an old obligation or right) a new one of the same nature; to continue in force; to make again; as, to renew a lease, note, or patent.
3. To begin again; to recommence. The last great age . . . renews its finished course. Dryden.
4. To repeat; to go over again. The birds-their notes renew. Milton.
2 more senses
5. (Theol.)
To make new spiritually; to regenerate. Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind. Rom. xii. 2.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Renew, v. i.
To become new, or as new; to grow or begin again.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for renewing; he lists it under change.
Where he writes about it:
For the distinctions between the other words compare the synonyms for change, v. In the religious sense regeneration is the vital renewing of the soul by the power of the divine Spirit; conversion is the conscious and manifest change from evil to good, or from a lower to a higher spiritual state; as, in Luke xxii, 32, "when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren." In popular use conversion is the most common word to express the idea of regeneration. — from change