as in restoring
to bring back to a former condition or vigor
cool glasses of lemonade freshened us after a day of hard work outside
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Recent Examples of freshening
And because upholstered furniture is tricky to toss in the wash, a low-effort, budget-friendly solution like baking soda can be a game-changer for freshening things up between deep cleans.
—
Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 18 Jan. 2026
After freshening it up for its journey across the world, the video cuts to a phone call with Blue's lawyer, who reveals the good news that her ban from the country has been lifted.
—Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2025
Created by Hank Green and Bernie Su and starring Ashley Clements as Lizzie Bennet, this series adaptation stays true to the original while freshening the storylines and reimagining some of the relationships.
—Andrea Wurzburger, PEOPLE, 29 Nov. 2025
After all, gum is the ultimate multitasker – freshening breath, calming nerves and even sharpening focus.
—Daryl Austin, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2025
Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 18 Jan. 2026
After freshening it up for its journey across the world, the video cuts to a phone call with Blue's lawyer, who reveals the good news that her ban from the country has been lifted.
—Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2025
Created by Hank Green and Bernie Su and starring Ashley Clements as Lizzie Bennet, this series adaptation stays true to the original while freshening the storylines and reimagining some of the relationships.
—Andrea Wurzburger, PEOPLE, 29 Nov. 2025
After all, gum is the ultimate multitasker – freshening breath, calming nerves and even sharpening focus.
—Daryl Austin, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for freshening
Verb
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Observers said at the time that restoring a full court bench could increase prospects for Yoon’s ouster.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
22 Jan. 2026
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Oncor said its field teams are experienced in restoring power in freezing conditions and are prepared to respond to potential service disruptions.—
S.E. Jenkins,
CBS News,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Other introductions are the Carrera Seafarer, reviving the spirit of the 1949 tide watch, and the Carrera Split-Seconds Chronograph, introducing the rattrapante complication to this line for the first time.—
Luisa Zargani,
Footwear News,
19 Jan. 2026
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With everyone talking about 2016 nostalgia right now, TikTok currently has the hashtag #2016makeup reaching over 65,000 videos of creators reviving the makeup trends YouTubers like Aaliyah Jay and Jackie Aina ruled 10 years ago.—
Essence,
Essence,
16 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Recharging your dryer balls helps remove detergent residue, while also softening, firming, and refreshing the wool’s natural oils.—
Shagun Khare,
The Spruce,
18 Jan. 2026
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Tips for decluttering catch-all spaces and refreshing the pantry (and your wardrobe) reduce stress immediately.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
5 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Curious about what opportunities could arise, Ellis took photos of himself recreating Smith's magazine poses, per the outlet, and he was instantly booked.—
Nicholas Rice,
PEOPLE,
25 Jan. 2026
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The images accompanying this story show protesters recreating the act at demonstrations outside Iran, not the woman featured in the original viral video.—
Greg Wehner,
FOXNews.com,
19 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Congress is close to enacting a two-year authorization of Medicare telehealth services for older adults, renewing pandemic-era coverage in the nation’s largest government health insurance program.—
Bruce Japsen,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
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Discovery investments days after the announcement of a megadeal between the two media giants, among other purchases, according to a financial disclosure from the White House, renewing questions from ethics experts around potential conflicts of interest.—
Auzinea Bacon,
CNN Money,
17 Jan. 2026
Verb
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While Scully spends weeks alone renovating the old house, Jennifer returns to Australia to liquidate their assets.—
Justin Kroll,
Deadline,
27 Jan. 2026
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Washburne, well known for renovating the landmark Highland Park Village shopping center, bought the downtown property nearly three years ago.—
Devyani Chhetri,
Dallas Morning News,
23 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Freshening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/freshening. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
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