freshen

1 of 2

verb

fresh·​en ˈfre-shən 

freshened; freshening ˈfre-sh(ə-)niŋ 

intransitive verb

1

: to grow or become fresh: such as

a

of wind : to increase in strength

b

: to become fresh in appearance or vitality

—usually used with up

freshen up with a shower

2

of a milk animal : to begin lactating

transitive verb

: to make fresh

also : refresh, revive

freshener

ˈfre-sh(ə-)nər 

noun

freshener

2 of 2

noun

fresh·​en·​er -sh(ə)nə(r) 

plural -s

: one that freshens: such as

a

: a drink that revives or cheers

b

: an astringent lotion for cleansing the skin

Synonyms of freshen

Verb

• restore
• refresh
• revive
• recreate
• renew
• renovate

Examples of freshen in a Sentence

Verb

a mint that freshens the breath

Can I freshen your drink?

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Neither does freshening with sprays or perfumed products like dryer sheets. — Kathy Barnes, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 June 2026

Placed on a bedside table, in a bathroom, or even in a dorm room where candles may not be allowed, the fragrant mixture offers an easy way to freshen a space without artificial fragrances. — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 11 June 2026

The way your house smells does more than freshen the air. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 June 2026

To freshen it up, Turner recommends using a hair dryer on the lowest setting to gently blow away dust. — Martha Stewart, 11 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1532, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Phrases Containing freshen

• freshen up

Rhymes for freshen

• cession
• hessian
• pression
• session
• accession
• aggression
• compression
• concession
• confession
• depression
• digression
• discretion

Kids Definition

freshen

verb

fresh·​en ˈfresh-ən 

freshened; freshening -(ə-)niŋ 

1

: to make or become fresh : refresh

freshen up with a shower

2

: to become brisk or strong

the wind freshened

3

: to brighten in appearance

freshen up a room with some color

freshener

-(ə-)nər 

noun

Medical Definition

freshen

transitive verb

fresh·​en ˈfresh-ən 

freshened; freshening ˈfresh-(ə-)niŋ 

of a milk animal

: to begin lactating