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

With the cooler temperatures rolling in, there's nothing like spending an evening on your porch, unwinding with a refreshing glass of sweet tea, and relishing the sights and sounds of nature. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 29 Nov. 2025

Seeing a franchise quarterback take accountability for his team's struggles is refreshing. —Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2025

This was refreshing as someone who doesn’t always feel confident in a bathing suit. —Celeste Polanco, Essence, 28 Nov. 2025

From fall fragrances like apple cider and more neutral scents like green tea to jolts of refreshing grapefruit, a single scented candle can really set the mood in any space. —Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 28 Nov. 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