refreshing

1 of 2

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

refreshing

2 of 2

present participle of refresh

Synonyms of refreshing

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Adjective

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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.
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Adjective
Not only are the fruits delicious and refreshing, but these elegant trees produce beautiful, fragrant blooms in early spring too. — Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 1 Sep. 2026 Reading the book feels refreshing — a clarifying antidote to a culture increasingly obsessed with idolizing and leveraging suffering. — Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026 Specifically in dress, rounder toes are trending; a refreshing alternative to the almond shape that has dominated for the past few seasons. — Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 31 Aug. 2026 This is fine, and even refreshing, as long as the relationships that develop on camera have the heat and texture of real life. — Naomi Fry, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for refreshing

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1580, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of refreshing was circa 1580

Rhymes for refreshing

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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 3 Sep. 2026.

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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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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