refresh

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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of refresh Every hour more than 2 billion of those product listings are refreshed on Google. Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2025 To amplify the glow, bamboo, charcoal, sea salt, pearl powder, and tourmaline work in harmony, leaving skin clarified, refreshed, and radiant without ever feeling stripped. Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 30 Sep. 2025 Wednesday is the best day to shop because new deals drop, and the shelves are being refreshed and restocked with the new deals from the week. Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 30 Sep. 2025 The show's beloved hosts, as well as the designers behind the new studio, share all the details on this refreshed, legacy space. Halee Miller Van Ryswyk, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for refresh
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refresh
Verb
  • Maybe another manager could’ve done or said something to restore their confidence and shake them out of their long funks a little bit quicker.
    Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • As with prevention, daily skin care is foundational, with regular moisturizing needed to restore the protective barrier.
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The Premier League is eating itself slightly as a breeding ground for English talent.
    Liam Tharme, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
  • In the Carmel area, the trail passes a cool play space and Midtown Plaza, where the family can play a little ping-pong or corn hole, grab a bite to eat, or just relax on the bench swings.
    Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 4 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • So quick, so dangerous in the final third, and surely so motivated to revive his career in a World Cup year.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • The Fly Who Flew to Space author, who was styled by Molly Dickson, revived a vintage 1995 John Galliano checkered suit featuring a peplum blazer and a pencil skirt.
    Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Whitmer and State Superintendent Michael Rice urged districts to keep feeding every child, promising funding would soon be secured in the next budget.
    Clara Hendrickson, Freep.com, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Add in your favorite ground beef and feed the entire family.
    Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • This is the standard seat height for dining chairs and furniture.
    Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Oct. 2025
  • This might even account for the ways in which the Gospels portray Jesus as moving freely among the diverse economic and social strata of society, whether encountering Roman centurions or being invited to dine in wealthy homes of the time.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In March 2023, Ottawa renewed the mandate, extending the mission through April 2026.
    Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • More than 90% of fans renewed, and the team established a season ticket waiting list.
    Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 1 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Refresh.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refresh. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

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