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

But adding a refreshing cucumber to your beverage offers an extra hydration boost, thanks to the veggie's high water content. —Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 17 Oct. 2025

There’s something refreshing about it. —Kate Aurthur, Variety, 17 Oct. 2025

There was a refreshing weekend in late September when Brentford, Brighton and Crystal Palace beat Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool respectively. —Oliver Kay, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025

Take, for instance, the purple welcome drink made of an infusion of rosemary, ayrampo seed, lemon juice, water, and sugar, which was so refreshing, our group asked for it nightly as an aperitivo. —Laura Dannen Redman, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 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