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 That’s a tighter window than Carbone, but the demand is just as fierce, so be ready to refresh. Lauren Schuster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 May 2026 Food courts — always popular spaces for shoppers to relax, connect and refresh — are now undergoing modern updates at Washington Square, Crabtree and Scottsdale Fashion Square in Scottsdale, Ariz. Footwear News, 18 May 2026 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. Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 17 May 2026 Wayfair already slashed prices on tens of thousands of popular items that were made to refresh your home ahead of the new season. Jacqueline Tempera, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for refresh
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refresh
Verb
  • On Friday, a city spokesperson confirmed that Aurora intends to move forward with that agreement, noting that the building would be demolished and that the riverfront area would be restored, but did not give any additional details about future plans for the site.
    R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2026
  • That means repairing seawalls and bolstering shorelines, restoring wetlands, improving stormwater management and drainage, ensuring clean lakes, hardening infrastructure, and keeping homes and roadways out of the water.
    Anna V. Eskamani, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 May 2026
Verb
  • That means tolerating a certain level of damage from leaf-eating insects.
    Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2026
  • The overall objective is to educate guests on how to have a sustainable and enjoyable eating plan that continues post-stay—there are optional cooking classes to help establish the ground rules.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 May 2026
Verb
  • The renovation introduced a sweeping circular bar and revived the former Georgian dining room as The George, a high-end brasserie.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 May 2026
  • Emergency crews from a neighboring town worked on Stanley Sears for a half hour but couldn't revive him for the long drive to the closest hospital, records show.
    Sarah Jane Tribble, NPR, 22 May 2026
Verb
  • Behind the boom is a sharp expansion of the longevity clinic industry, which now feeds directly into the hospitality pipeline.
    Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 19 May 2026
  • James Robison never shied away from his calling to preach the Gospel and feed the hungry throughout the world.
    Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 May 2026
Verb
  • Its famed 19th-century patrons included the writers Charles Dickens and Arthur Conan Doyle, who dined among rolling carving trolleys—which, in fact, were quietly gliding in the background to prevent disturbing the country’s top chess players, the venue being the sport’s British center at the time.
    Ming Liu, Robb Report, 23 May 2026
  • Guests can dine at the grab-and-go cafe or sit down for traditional dining, with six meals served onboard.
    Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 23 May 2026
Verb
  • Trump made the announcement in a social media post on Monday after threatening over the weekend that time was running out for Iran to strike a deal or fighting would renew.
    Michelle L. Price, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2026
  • Focus on developing a disciplined, ongoing capacity to adapt, learn and renew.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Refresh.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refresh. Accessed 25 May. 2026.

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