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

In an era of instant access, this old-school record store moment felt both refreshing and strategic. —Olivia Shalhoup, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026

The second is the Mar-TEA-ni, which combines gin, early grey tea, lemon, and honey into one refreshing drink. —Megan Dubois, Southern Living, 22 Jan. 2026

With the rapid rise in transfers for college sports, Olagbegi staying on board is refreshing. —Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 22 Jan. 2026

Presenting Abbott as a man of both faith and science sets a refreshing tone, welcoming everyone into the climate change battle and scientific discourse. —Tomris Laffly, Variety, 22 Jan. 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