refreshing

1 of 2

adjective

re·​fresh·​ing ri-ˈfre-shiŋ 

: serving to refresh

especially : agreeably stimulating because of freshness or newness

a refreshing change of pace

refreshingly

ri-ˈfre-shiŋ-lē 

adverb

refreshing

2 of 2

present participle of refresh

Synonyms of refreshing

Adjective

• restorative
• reviving
• stimulating
• vitalizing
• rejuvenating
• bracing
• invigorating
• vital
• tonic
• cordial
• medicinal
• healthy

Examples of refreshing in a Sentence

Adjective

Working on the new project was a refreshing change.

It is refreshing to hear some good news about him.

a refreshing glass of cold water

My swim was very refreshing.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Over a refreshing crudo and endive salad, Vera Wang laughed with Lance LePere. — Gaby Keiderling, Vogue, 9 Oct. 2026

This data isn’t new for Amazon, but sharing it directly with buyers is a refreshing strategy for the online retailer. — James Peckham, PC Magazine, 8 Oct. 2026

That’s a refreshing attitude, because overbearing parents are an issue at youth sports. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 8 Oct. 2026

North Texas is off to another refreshing start, featuring low humidity and temperatures in the 50s and 60s. — CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1580, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for refreshing

• fleshing
• meshing
• threshing

Kids Definition

refreshing

adjective

re·​fresh·​ing ri-ˈfresh-iŋ 

: serving to refresh

especially : pleasing because of freshness or newness