refresh

Definition of refreshnext

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 Add Fresh Mulch The final step in refreshing your flower bed is to add a 2-inch layer of fresh organic mulch to help smother out weeds and retain moisture in the soil. Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 17 Apr. 2026 Continue scrolling for more little brown bags to refresh your seasonal wardrobe at Quince. Christina Shepherd McGuire, PEOPLE, 16 Apr. 2026 So take advantage of the first long offseason in a while and enter training camp refreshed. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 16 Apr. 2026 The board has been refreshed, too. Justin Zacks, CNBC, 15 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for refresh
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refresh
Verb
  • Markets, which soared to records last week on the hope that peace could finally come to the region and energy supplies will be restored, have come under pressure again.
    Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 20 Apr. 2026
  • More than 43,000 customers lost power in Illinois but power was restored to almost all of them by Saturday night, according to electric utility ComEd.
    Chandelis Duster, NPR, 19 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • My family spent many weekend mornings here, but during the pandemic, my husband and I would occasionally get fancy takeout food and cocktails and eat at one of the private picnic tables by the light of a camping lantern.
    Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Hennessy said that eating too much of any nutrient risks causing unwanted side effects.
    Rich Bellis, NBC news, 11 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The Philippines, which recently declared a national energy emergency, is also considering reviving a nuclear plant built in the aftermath of the 1973 oil crisis but was never turned on.
    ABC News, ABC News, 17 Apr. 2026
  • Frank Zappa’s estate has revived their archival Vaulternative Records for the first time in nearly a decade to showcase a Mothers of Invention session from 1966.
    Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 17 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The chefs then get three hours, starting now, to put their own spin on that dessert and create 60 portions to feed to Top Chef fans converging to celebrate the series’ 20 years on the air.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 21 Apr. 2026
  • One visitor was given a citation for feeding a mother bear and her two cubs.
    Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Noma Projects launched in 2022 as an offshoot of the world-famous restaurant, offering the fine-dining juggernaut’s small-batch hot sauces, coffees, vinegars and other products for home cooking.
    Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Here is some of the latest in dining news from across San Diego County, as well as some upcoming events for foodies.
    Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • There is something to be said for admitting that the prospects of disagreement are permanent and that wisdom consists not in tearing up the peace treaty but in renewing it.
    Nikhil Krishnan, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
  • In April, Argentina renewed attention on him after its President Javier Milei’s government designated the entire Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps a terrorist organization and singled out Vahidi by name.
    Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 20 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Refresh.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refresh. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on refresh

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster