refreshing

1 of 2

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

refreshing

2 of 2

present participle of refresh

Synonyms of refreshing

Adjective

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

Examples of refreshing in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Adjective

The refreshing under-eye treatments are formulated to smooth, firm, and brighten crow’s feet and dark circles. — Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 4 Nov. 2026

When To Replace Mulch Mulch usually needs refreshing or replacement annually. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 4 Nov. 2026

Make a refreshing mocktail with a sprig of rosemary plus equal parts unsweetened cranberry juice and club soda or sparkling water. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 2 Nov. 2026

There’s something really cool and really refreshing about that. — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 30 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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