refreshing

adjective

re·​fresh·​ing ri-ˈfre-shiŋ How to pronounce refreshing (audio)
Synonyms of refreshingnext
: serving to refresh
especially : agreeably stimulating because of freshness or newness
a refreshing change of pace
refreshingly
ri-ˈfre-shiŋ-lē How to pronounce refreshing (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of refreshing

Relevance
See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of refreshing in a Sentence

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
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.
Without fail, the refreshing formula leaves my pores squeaky clean sans the need for a second cleanse. — Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 5 Aug. 2026 Order the refreshing house specialty, the Valverde Spirit, and enjoy it while sitting amid the chic vintage furniture. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Aug. 2026 Start the refreshing process by cutting 1 inch off your sunflowers’ stems and washing away residue on the ends with running water. — Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Aug. 2026 Even better, every pick is under $25, so refreshing your vacation wardrobe doesn’t have to derail your budget. — Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for refreshing

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1580, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of refreshing was circa 1580

Rhymes for refreshing

See All Rhymes for refreshing

Browse Nearby Words

refreshful
refreshing
refreshment
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Refreshing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/refreshing. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

refreshing

adjective
re·​fresh·​ing ri-ˈfresh-iŋ How to pronounce refreshing (audio)
: serving to refresh
especially : pleasing because of freshness or newness

More from Merriam-Webster on refreshing

Nglish: Translation of refreshing for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

How long is a jiffy?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
asap street sign
Figure Out These Acronyms ASAP You don't have to be a NASA engineer to get these...
See All