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 Companies are more likely to refresh the fabrics of their uniforms for more environmentally friendly or humanity-enhancing options. Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2025 Mitsubishi’s Momentum 2030 plan Momentum 2030 is a mission by Mitsubishi to deliver a new or refreshed vehicle every year from now until 2030 and is defined by four key goals. Keenan Thompson, USA Today, 20 Oct. 2025 Simply refresh the page to cast another vote. Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado updated October 20, Sacbee.com, 20 Oct. 2025 If portions of the page appear blank and an ad blocker is enabled, please disable the ad blocker and refresh the page to ensure full access to the content. Austin Mock, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for refresh
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refresh
Verb
  • After years of sitting dormant, the station was restored as a new hotel, but a surprise was left behind on the top floor.
    Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 21 Oct. 2025
  • The result can be a culture that restores its edge daily, rather than one that dulls until a major transformation is forced.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • This could make eating more enjoyable, leading to eating more.
    Merve Ceylan, Health, 26 Oct. 2025
  • The video showed dozens of videos and pictures sent to her, all featuring people eating McDonald's fries as a show of solidarity.
    Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Investors cheered the improbable rise of the amateur heavy metal drummer and hard-line conservative, who’s expected to increase defense spending, cut taxes, and revive Japan’s nuclear power industry.
    Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Deep sleepers will appreciate the gradual wakeup call from a large catalog of alarm sounds, and an alarm volume that reaches decibels capable of reviving a bear from its hibernation.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Eggs from hens fed high-quality feed and given space to roam outdoors tend to have a better flavor and slightly more nutrients.
    Lindsey DeSoto, Health, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Fear, like anxiety, often feeds on isolation, so the stronger your community, the better.
    Sarah Durn, Popular Science, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The four-bedroom, three-bathroom home spanned about 3,800 square feet, with wood-burning fireplaces gracing the formal living and dining rooms on the main floor.
    Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Prosecutor Andrew Figliuzzi claimed Chambers dined at a Houston restaurant before hitting three bars on the night of the crash, per the Chronicle, allegedly downing at least six alcoholic beverages and using cocaine.
    KC Baker, PEOPLE, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Brooklyn and Nicola married in April 2022 and renewed their wedding vows this past August.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 23 Oct. 2025
  • In mid-June, they were relieved to learn that their home insurance would be renewed—but their annual premium was going up by a thousand dollars.
    Ingfei Chen, New Yorker, 22 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Refresh.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refresh. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on refresh

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