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 Imbox deodorizer works to prevent and eliminate odor — and leaves a refreshing fragrance to allow consumers to preserve the feeling of a fresh shoe for longer. — Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026

That pragmatism was refreshing and impeccably executed at Dries Van Noten, Celine, Simone Rocha, and Loewe. — Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2026

The interior feels particularly refreshing compared to the touchscreen overload we’re usually presented. — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 13 Oct. 2026

The weekend is shaping up to feel much more like October, with refreshing mornings and pleasant afternoons. — Michael Autovino, CBS News, 12 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