refreshing

adjective

re·​fresh·​ing ri-ˈfre-shiŋ 

: serving to refresh

especially : agreeably stimulating because of freshness or newness

a refreshing change of pace

refreshingly

ri-ˈfre-shiŋ-lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• restorative
• reviving
• stimulating
• vitalizing
• rejuvenating
• bracing
• vital
• invigorating
• tonic
• cordial
• medicinal
• healthy

Examples of refreshing in a Sentence

Working on the new project was a refreshing change.

It is refreshing to hear some good news about him.

a refreshing glass of cold water

My swim was very refreshing.

Recent Examples on the Web

Cooler air will be sweeping in behind this front, as another round of refreshing, fall-like air moves from the Midwest into the Northeast for the second half of the weekend. —Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 6 Sep. 2025

Simple jokes, clichés served up as a refreshing alcohol-free aperitif to prolong meetings without really getting to work. —Literary Hub, 5 Sep. 2025

Unless Congress acts, American fliers are once again left to fend for themselves—refreshing apps, queuing at customer-service desks, and hoping their next flight takes off on time. —AFAR Media, 5 Sep. 2025

Full of big, shouty drill sergeants, lovable characters and deep introspection, the series is earnest and refreshing. —Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1580, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for refreshing

• fleshing
• meshing
• threshing

Kids Definition

refreshing

adjective

re·​fresh·​ing ri-ˈfresh-iŋ 

: serving to refresh

especially : pleasing because of freshness or newness