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

Things to Do Blue Spring State Park has a range of activities, but enjoying the refreshing water is a must during a hot Florida day. —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 20 Dec. 2025

And, to drink, either a refreshing iced tea or a mocktail. —Hannah Kirby, jsonline.com, 20 Dec. 2025

For pampering at home, opt for under-eye masks that feel soothing and refreshing. —Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 20 Dec. 2025

And while most of the world is adding more new to cart, there’s something refreshing about going in the opposite direction. —Petra Guglielmetti, Glamour, 18 Dec. 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