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 This design of the Mac Pro, with the cheese-grater front, first debuted in 2019 before being refreshed in 2023 with the M2 Ultra chip version. James Peckham, PC Magazine, 27 Mar. 2026 Packaging may be refreshed slightly, but distribution and availability should continue seamlessly through the summer transition. Jay R. Brooks, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2026 The Business Behind the Ballpark Buzz The 9-9-9 challenge is part of a broader push to refresh the in-stadium fan experience. Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 26 Mar. 2026 Niacinamide and tranexamic acid even tone and refine the look of pores, while ceramides, cholesterol, and peptides support the barrier—so skin looks smoother, brighter, and more refreshed in under 30 minutes. Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 26 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for refresh
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refresh
Verb
  • The chimneys have been rebuilt, insulation improved, and many of the home’s original windows restored, with others replaced where needed.
    Miriam Schwartz, Hartford Courant, 29 Mar. 2026
  • America has already achieved an important objective by restoring credibility to our deterrence since military power is worthless if adversaries don’t believe this power will ever be employed.
    Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 29 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Martha sat on the other bed and thought about what a perverse species humans were—to insist on eating something that had tried so hard to be inedible.
    Cassandra Neyenesch, New Yorker, 29 Mar. 2026
  • Because of that, Moody’s has taken a number of downward ratings actions against producers, because the oversupply eats away at margins and the capacity to pay debt is eroding.
    Kevin Williams, CNBC, 28 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Now, a small group of RV industry professionals has revived the Prattline name and reinvented the Low Tow design with modern technology.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 Mar. 2026
  • If Paxton secures the nomination, it will likely be driven by the unwavering support of the GOP’s grassroots base, the same coalition that helped revive his political standing after he was impeached and later acquitted on corruption charges by the Texas legislature three years ago.
    Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 29 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The system now feeds captured atmospheric CO₂ directly into its brewing line.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 24 Mar. 2026
  • The crocodile’s rare appearance represented a disheartening degradation but a hopeful sign of what the Niger Delta, if salvaged, can still become — an eco-diverse paradise akin to the Amazon or Costa Rica, that feeds its populace and attracts foreign visitors wanting to witness nature’s glory.
    Noo Saro-Wiwa, The Dial, 24 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • That night, Joost wanted to dine at a real restaurant like rich foreigners.
    Cassandra Neyenesch, New Yorker, 29 Mar. 2026
  • Every guest after the first 100 who dines in from Saturday through Monday can get a buy one, get one beef pepper rice.
    Zacharia Washington, Dallas Morning News, 27 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Take time to renew your spiritual or religious beliefs.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 30 Mar. 2026
  • The March 17 ruling triggered fury across the continent and renewed longstanding questions about the organization’s governance.
    Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 30 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Refresh.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refresh. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.

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