REFRESH Synonyms: 65 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

refresh

verb

ri-ˈfresh

Definition of refresh next

as in to restore

to bring back to a former condition or vigor brought out some iced tea to refresh the spirits of the folks working out in the sun

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in to eat

to take a meal we were looking for a family-friendly restaurant where we could sit down and refresh before continuing

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

diet
fast

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 Creative Design Worx/Kickstarter View 6 Images Walls in many homes play host to art prints or family photos, but refreshing your collection can be a pain. —

Paul Ridden, New Atlas, 1 Feb. 2025 Styles can be tweaked and a new fabric choice is an easy way to refresh and update any interior. —

Heather Bien, Southern Living, 31 Jan. 2025 Rest of market : But on the non-AI side, the rest of the market is dealing with some soggy action due to the uptick in the 10-year Treasury yield, refreshed concerns about President Donald Trump’s tariff pledges, and general market rotation the opposite way after a good rally on Monday. —

Jeff Marks, CNBC, 28 Jan. 2025 Katie Couric took the anchor chair in 2006 with a mandate to refresh the format with more human interest stories and interviews. —

Brian Steinberg, Variety, 27 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for refresh

Recent Examples of Synonyms for refresh

Verb

President Barack Obama formally restored the name Denali in 2015.

— Michael Collins, USA TODAY, 17 Feb. 2025
All offseason long the Red Sox have spoken about the need to act with urgency to restore the club to its place as a perennial contender, but after five years of falling short those words were beginning to ring hollow with many fans.

— Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 16 Feb. 2025