refreshing

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

Synonyms of refreshing

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

Examples of refreshing in a Sentence

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

The Jouvert, a highlight, is a raw, high-energy street parade of paint and powder, culminating in a refreshing sea bath. — Baz Dreisinger, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Then again, keeping a semblance of tradition in a sport that feels to be in a state of constant change would be refreshing. — Mark Harris Outkick, FOXNews.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Overall, my three week break was a refreshing reminder of all the ways in which AI has not transformed society and, hopefully, never will. — Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 18 Aug. 2026

The canopy was smaller and thinner than Parco Nord’s, but the shade worked its magic, lowering the temperature and delivering a gentle, refreshing breeze. — Eric Klinenberg, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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