freshen up

phrasal verb

freshened up; freshening up; freshens up
: to wash oneself in order to feel clean and fresh
I feel like I need to freshen up after my long trip.

Examples of freshen up in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For blondes, consider using a purple shampoo every two weeks to prevent brassiness and freshen up your color between salon visits. Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 21 Jan. 2026 Ashton Kutcher is freshening up some dirty rumors about his personal hygiene following a controversial 2021 podcast appearance with wife Mila Kunis. Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Jan. 2026 Use them to freshen up during a layover or deal with a minor spill. Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 17 Jan. 2026 Fallen evergreen needles can be gathered and transformed into fragrant sachets that freshen up drawers, closets, or linen cabinets. Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 11 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for freshen up

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Freshen up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/freshen%20up. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on freshen up

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!