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

Amazon is refreshing almost its entire ereader line, rolling out new versions of the base Kindle, Paperwhite, and Colorsoft. — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 1 Oct. 2026

Perroquet can also stock guest room mini fridges with its signature Rhubarb Whitney, a refreshing mix of vodka, rhubarb and agave nectar, along with instructions for putting the finishing touches on the cocktail. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Sep. 2026

Something is refreshing about audiences emotionally connecting to a character through their wardrobe. — Mariam Bagdady, Vogue, 29 Sep. 2026

Rooted in casual elegance, the spring collection introduced a refreshing palette of aquamarine blue, sage green and pink flanking the brand’s distinctive ivories, ecrus and beiges. — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 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