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

Choose a blueberry muffin mix, then top with additional fresh berries for a bright and refreshing way to wake up. —Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 20 Apr. 2026

To avoid the muggy look, swap mustard tones for light and refreshing pastels that infuse a bathroom with an optimistic softness. —Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Apr. 2026

One of our favorite ways to celebrate the season, especially on warm, sunny days, is to throw them together into one big, refreshing bowl of greens. —Victoria Caruso, Washington Post, 19 Apr. 2026

The popular modern farmhouse style has been given a refreshing, wholly original spin by Studio Eckstrom, a firm based in Omaha, Nebraska. —Dan Howarth, Architectural Digest, 19 Apr. 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