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

That both cooled the tea to a refreshing drinking temperature and diluted it for a proper taste. — Matthew Koss, The Conversation, 24 Aug. 2026

That hiatus makes the collaborative nature of the Spears project particularly refreshing for her. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 24 Aug. 2026

Frequently—and here’s another thing Melville didn’t mention—a good number of these coastal strollers have a refreshing drink in hand. — Taran Dugal, New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2026

The show is produced by the team behind Gossip Girl and My Old Ass, and has been praised by critics for its refreshing interpretation of the YA category. — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 21 Aug. 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