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

Designers are refreshing fall fashion looks by interpreting iconic ’80s styles — a neon palette, chunky jewelry, power suits, bubble hems and denim on denim — with new, contemporary twists. —Khanh T.l. Tran, USA Today, 21 Nov. 2025

Use sparkling wine for a simple and refreshing Lemon-Basil Spritzer. —Jessica Farthing, Southern Living, 20 Nov. 2025

In recent months, a new trend known as fibermaxxing has thrust the titular nutrient into the spotlight, a refreshing change of pace for the experts SELF spoke to. —Caroline Tien, SELF, 18 Nov. 2025

Reliable, efficient, and instantly refreshing, Batiste’s Original Dry Shampoo is a beauty Hall of Famer for good reason. —Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 18 Nov. 2025

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