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

McBride’s work as an author and actor injects something refreshing into the discussion. — T. M. Brown, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2026

Simply squeeze, stir with ice water and sip for a refreshing drink with natural caffeine. — ABC News, 5 Sep. 2026

The tell-like-it-is prose of Swanson is refreshing and appreciating to read. — Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026

In a transfer window littered with superstars from across multiple continents, Azeez’s arrival in the Premier League after eight-plus years working his way up the domestic pyramid is a refreshing outlier. — Cerys Jones, New York Times, 5 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