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

Doing good feels as refreshing as a clean home. —Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 26 Mar. 2026

Instead of refreshing prices every night after the kids go to bed, let the apps do the work and notify you when fares drop. —Lauren Schuster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Mar. 2026

Besides physically climbing over surfaces, cucumbers have moved globally—not by means of their coiling tendrils, but rather by becoming a commodity known for its refreshing and beautifying uses. —Andrés Muedano, JSTOR Daily, 25 Mar. 2026

This refreshing exfoliating toner clears out buildup that can exaggerate uneven texture, thanks to a 4-HA complex (AHA, BHA, PHA, LHA) that sweeps away dead skin cells without tipping into irritation. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 25 Mar. 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