refreshing

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

Synonyms

• bracing
• cordial
• invigorating
• rejuvenating
• restorative
• reviving
• stimulating
• stimulative
• tonic
• vital
• vitalizing

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

Standouts include the Iberian pork with figs, and the refreshing pineapple, pink peppercorn and passion fruit dessert. —Isabelle Kliger, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025

Listen to this article The UConn men’s basketball team came back from an early 10-point deficit and rolled to a refreshing 93-79 win over Georgetown at the XL Center on Wednesday night. —Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 27 Feb. 2025

So, yes, a refreshing interlude Wednesday night at the start of this four-game homestand. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 27 Feb. 2025

Cocktails will remain simple and approachable with several classics, such as a light and refreshing spritz or a perfectly bittersweet negroni, along with another six to seven seasonal creations. —Olivia Lee, Charlotte Observer, 26 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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