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 Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. Rowan Fisher-Shotton, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025 If your girlfriend is always on the go, these rose-gold foil eye masks are a lifesaver—locking in hydration so she looks refreshed in just minutes. Christa Joanna Lee, Glamour, 13 Oct. 2025 If your bed could use a cozy upgrade, this quilt is a simple way to refresh your space for any season. Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 13 Oct. 2025 The Red List is updated regularly to refresh existing assessments and include species assessed for the first time. Nell Lewis, CNN Money, 10 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
  • Some examples might include taking a 15- to 20-minute morning walk, eating a healthy breakfast and writing down one positive thing that happened that day.
    Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2025
  • This syndrome causes nausea, diarrhea, sweating, and flushing after eating.
    Carrie Madormo, Health, 18 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
  • Sunflower sea stars—large predators that feed on sea urchins—were particularly vulnerable, losing nearly 90 percent of their pre-pandemic population in northern waters.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Every night after dusk, one of the world’s largest migrations begins, as deep sea creatures rise to the surface to feed.
    New York Times, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • However, washing isn’t mandatory, and a raccoon still will dine if there’s no water nearby.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 18 Oct. 2025
  • 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, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Season 1 is set to bow in October, with Season 2 — which was recently renewed — rolling out new episodes through 2027.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Ballard was just renewed for a second season, and there’s always The Lincoln Lawyer on Netflix.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Refresh.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refresh. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on refresh

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