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 For any free feature, the usage limit will be refreshed each calendar month. Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 25 July 2026 Meanwhile, five pools including one just for littles—as well as complimentary non-motorized water sports—afford plenty of opportunities to stay refreshed. Gina Kramer, USA Today, 25 July 2026 Six fit-for-a-billionaire log cabins are immaculately done—and recently refreshed—with a mix of designer and antique Western furniture, including the main lodge (Marley’s Lodge) with six suites, a chef’s kitchen, and gym. Laura Dannen Redman, Robb Report, 23 July 2026 Others echoed the comparison, saying Coca-Cola’s refreshed typography looked strikingly similar to Marlboros, in a case of reality imitating memes. Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for refresh
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refresh
Verb
  • But city efforts to restore its lost vim and vigor have fallen flat.
    Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026
  • The marker has since been vandalized and was taken down to be restored, making the James Baldwin quote at the sign’s base all the more pertinent.
    Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 22 July 2026
Verb
  • People enjoy them in countless ways, including being folded into shortcake, mixed into fruit salad, dipped in chocolate, piled on pancakes, stirred into yogurt, blended into smoothies or simply eaten by the handful as a refreshing snack.
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 26 July 2026
  • For perspective, third place contestant Mirza Selmic ate 18 corn dogs, and the remaining competitors ate between eight and 13 dogs.
    Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 26 July 2026
Verb
  • Before the latest strikes, Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni visited Pakistan, a key mediator in the conflict, seeking to revive diplomacy.
    ABC News, ABC News, 22 July 2026
  • Because the government requested dismissal without prejudice, the plaintiffs could seek to revive their claims after Rodríguez leaves office.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026
Verb
  • As someone who fed on emotion and belonging throughout his career, Keegan had always felt the pull of Newcastle United, the club of his father.
    James Pearce, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • The behind-the-scenes glimpses help feed consumers’ hunger for connection to personal stories.
    R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Verb
  • More broadly, Kimi K3’s capabilities are renewing questions about the effectiveness of Washington’s tech export curbs.
    John Liu, CNN Money, 24 July 2026
  • Beauty in Black has been renewed for season 4 on Netflix, despite previously being canceled.
    Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 23 July 2026
Verb
  • On Tuesday, July 21, the couple previously dined at Trattoria della Santa in Bologna, Italy, PEOPLE confirmed.
    Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 23 July 2026
  • During the day when the bed is no longer in use, the entire bathroom and dining bench slide back and the dining table drops down, creating the four-seat dining lounge.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 21 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Refresh.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refresh. Accessed 29 Jul. 2026.

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