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 The school is scheduled to host a groundbreaking for the first phase of work to refresh the facility on Wednesday. — Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 23 Sep. 2026 Rumors also tip refreshed versions of Apple TV and the HomePod Mini smart speaker. — Bee Wertheimer, PC Magazine, 21 Sep. 2026 Morgan Stanley just refreshed its Vintage Values list of top stocks to hold for 12 months, adding tech giant Alphabet and consumer staples giant Coca-Cola , along with others, to the roster. — Deena Zaidi, CNBC, 21 Sep. 2026 The duvet is machine washable, dryer-friendly, and can be refreshed with non-chlorine bleach as needed. — Maria Conti, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for refresh
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refresh
Verb
  • Harvard declined to go along and eventually won a lawsuit that restored the funding.
    — John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Kelly set a hearing for Wednesday on the networks’ motion for a temporary restraining order to prohibit such a ban and restore their correspondents’ credentials.
    — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 21 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • To afford the next trip, 52% said eating out less would be worth it, while 40% were willing to cut back on haircuts.
    — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Being in the moment goes a long way Chang has had the luxury of eating in the world’s greatest restaurants.
    — Marnie Hunter, CNN Money, 20 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • On Sunday nights, Ito loves dinner at the bar at Palizzi Social Club, a South Philly Italian club founded in 1918 and revived by chef Joey Baldino in 2017.
    — Regan Stephens, Travel + Leisure, 21 Sep. 2026
  • The scene came together for the 1984 album Rainy Day, reviving obscure nuggets from the Byrds, Buffalo Springfield, Love, the Velvets — a vastly influential project that opened a lot of hipster minds.
    — Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 21 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The data will also feed into feasibility engineering, operating and capital cost modeling, and the design of future demonstration-scale systems.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 22 Sep. 2026
  • The notice of claim alleges that not only was there no physical police presence, no one was watching the camera feeds as the suspect came and went in real time.
    — Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 22 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • More recently, in 2023, Belarusian embassies abroad stopped extending or renewing passports entirely, putting dissidents who fled the country in a similar bind to those from Myanmar.
    — Andrew Nachemson, The Dial, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Presley Gerber’s death at age 27 has renewed questions about overdose risk, withdrawal complications and the challenges of addiction recovery.
    — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 22 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • But at a festive National Day meal in Riyadh, where families dined while patriotic songs filled the room, there was a growing sense that the public mood may be darkening.
    — Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Remm’s team provided a list of other celebrities who’ve dined at The Eighty Six, including Larry David.
    — Clara Molot, Vanity Fair, 24 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Refresh.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refresh. Accessed 27 Sep. 2026.

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