refresh

verb

re·​fresh ri-ˈfresh 

refreshed; refreshing; refreshes

transitive verb

1

: to restore strength and animation to : revive

2

: to freshen up : renovate

3

a

: to restore or maintain by renewing supply : replenish

b

: arouse, stimulate

let me refresh your memory

4

: to run water over or restore water to

5

: to update or renew (something, such as an image, the contents of a computer memory, or the displayed version of a web page) especially by sending a new signal

… on a 720p HDTV, each pixel gets refreshed 60 times a second.

—Family Circle

If you are unsure of whether the content you are viewing on a Web page is current, you should refresh the Web page.

—Gary B. Shelley and Misty E. Vermaat

intransitive verb

1

: to become refreshed

2

: to take refreshment

3

: to lay in fresh provisions

refresh noun

Synonyms of refresh

• restore
• revive
• recreate
• renew

Choose the Right Synonym for refresh

renew, restore, refresh, renovate, rejuvenate mean to make like new.

renew implies a restoration of what had become faded or disintegrated so that it seems like new.

efforts to renew the splendor of the old castle

restore implies a return to an original state after depletion or loss.

restored a fine piece of furniture

refresh implies the supplying of something necessary to restore lost strength, animation, or power.

a refreshing drink

renovate suggests a renewing by cleansing, repairing, or rebuilding.

the apartment has been entirely renovated

rejuvenate suggests the restoration of youthful vigor, powers, or appearance.

the change in jobs rejuvenated her spirits

Examples of refresh in a Sentence

brought out some iced tea to refresh the spirits of the folks working out in the sun

we were looking for a family-friendly restaurant where we could sit down and refresh before continuing

Recent Examples on the Web

With a roster of newly opened and recently refreshed properties—and a number on the horizon in destinations across the globe—the brand is embracing its origins while transforming for its next chapter. —Elizabeth Rhodes, Travel + Leisure, 22 Dec. 2025

The quick wash cycle on your washing machine offers a convenient option for refreshing lightly worn clothes and linens swiftly. —Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Dec. 2025

Wipe out trash and recycling bins and add a fresh trash bag to make the whole space feel cleaner and fully refreshed, says Parks. —Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 20 Dec. 2025

There are also plenty of cozy finds under $25 to refresh your own winter wardrobe. —Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 20 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English refresshen, from Anglo-French refreschir, from re- + fresch fresh — more at fresh

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing refresh

• refresh someone's memory

Rhymes for refresh

• afresh
• horseflesh
• creche
• flesh
• fresh
• lesch
• mesh
• resh
• thresh
• gilgamesh

Kids Definition

refresh

verb

re·​fresh ri-ˈfresh 

1

: to make fresh or fresher : revive

sleep refreshes the body

refreshed my memory by looking at my notes

2

: to restore or maintain by renewing supply