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

• 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

Other favorites were the spicy, savory and crunchy Shiseido peppers, nicely balance with a refreshing melon salad. —Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025

Looking for a refreshing make-ahead side for your next cookout? —Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2025

Carousing dandies like Pulp's Jarvis Cocker and Oasis' Liam Gallagher also know that rock stars should be larger than life; their Union Jerk high jinks were refreshing after years of fame-shy American alt-rockers. —Ew Staff Published, EW.com, 14 Aug. 2025

Taco Bell’s new Mountain Dew Baja Blast blends a refreshing blast of passion fruit flavor with the signature tropical lime flavor of the original. —Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Aug. 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