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

Celery and Apple Salad with Walnuts Imagine a Waldorf salad, but lighter and more refreshing, with a tangy lemon-thyme vinaigrette. — Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 17 Sep. 2026

Of course the playwright has prepared the way, but the wayward emotions emanating from these inwardly glowing performances are refreshing in work that has the crisp, circumscribed elegance of a mathematical proof. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026

Create a refreshing mint lemonade with a simple syrup, lemons, and fresh mint leaves. — Lauren Wellbank, Martha Stewart, 14 Sep. 2026

Upstairs on the terrace, refreshing cocktails suited for outdoor drinking include the Summer Crush–made with tequila, watermelon, fig-balsamic, Acqua di Cedro, and lime. — Kristin Braswell, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 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