Synonyms of refresh

refresh

verb

ri-ˈfresh 

1

as in to restore

to bring back to a former condition or vigor

brought out some iced tea to refresh the spirits of the folks working out in the sun

Synonyms & Similar Words

• restore
• revive
• recreate
• renew
• renovate
• freshen
• replenish
• regenerate
• rejuvenate
• revitalize
• redevelop
• repair
• recharge
• refreshen
• revivify
• resuscitate
• redesign
• refurbish
• overhaul
• remodel
• refill
• update
• reconstitute
• recondition
• reclaim
• redo
• rehabilitate
• reengineer
• modernize
• remake
• rehab
• resupply
• make over

2

as in to eat

to take a meal

we were looking for a family-friendly restaurant where we could sit down and refresh before continuing

Synonyms & Similar Words

• eat
• feed
• dine
• partake
• feast
• snack
• break bread
• fare
• nibble
• victual
• graze
• chow (down)
• banquet
• breakfast
• mess
• dine out
• glut
• lunch
• dig in
• pig out
• board
• overeat
• overfeed
• repast
• sup
• pick
• gorge
• picnic
• gormandize
• nosh

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• diet
• fast

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb refresh differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of refresh are rejuvenate, renew, renovate, and restore. While all these words mean "to make like new," refresh implies the supplying of something necessary to restore lost strength, animation, or power.

a refreshing drink

When would rejuvenate be a good substitute for refresh?

The words rejuvenate and refresh are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rejuvenate suggests the restoration of youthful vigor, powers, or appearance.

the change in jobs rejuvenated her spirits

Where would renew be a reasonable alternative to refresh?

Although the words renew and refresh have much in common, renew implies a restoration of what had become faded or disintegrated so that it seems like new.

efforts to renew the splendor of the old castle

When can renovate be used instead of refresh?

The meanings of renovate and refresh largely overlap; however, renovate suggests a renewing by cleansing, repairing, or rebuilding.

the apartment has been entirely renovated

In what contexts can restore take the place of refresh?

The words restore and refresh can be used in similar contexts, but restore implies a return to an original state after depletion or loss.

restored a fine piece of furniture

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of refresh

Google on Thursday unveiled new artificial intelligence features in Gmail, an effort by the technology giant to refresh its 22-year-old messaging app amid growing use of AI. —Julia Doyle, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026

Layers will always add a touch of personality and refresh the style while keeping your hair long. —Catharine Malzahn, InStyle, 8 Jan. 2026

Achieving this balance can manifest in different ways, whether by taking a deep breath during a heated exchange, pausing for a few minutes to refresh your perspective, or even taking a break for lunch—or in some cases, a midnight snack. —Sudhakar Ramakrishna, Fortune, 8 Jan. 2026

This helps refresh the skin without irritation and packs the skin with nutrients without manipulation. —Essence, 8 Jan. 2026