refresh

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

Examples 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 Once renowned for their timeless elegance, these spaces are being thoughtfully designed and refreshed to offer guests a rich, immersive experience that honors their past while introducing a contemporary sensibility. Roger Sands, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024 Don’t miss out on unbeatable savings to refresh his style for the season. Erica Paige, Travel + Leisure, 21 Nov. 2024 There's no better way to refresh your look than with a hair transformation, and there is certainly no shortage of cool hair color ideas trends to try right now. Bella Cacciatore, Glamour, 19 Nov. 2024 Read ahead to find all of our favorite early Wayfair’s Black Friday sale deals and get your home decor refreshed and ready for the holiday season and beyond. Will Porter, Architectural Digest, 19 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for refresh 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refresh
Verb
  • Investments are imperative to restore systems to deliver essential basic services, like education, water and sanitation, health, nutrition, social welfare and social protection, leaving no child behind.
    Maryanne Murray Buechner, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
  • If Yoon is impeached, his presidential powers would be suspended until the Constitutional Court decides whether to remove him from office or restore his powers.
    Hyung-Jin Kim and Kim Tong-Hyung, Los Angeles Times, 12 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Eating it: Some folks spoon directly into their mouths.
    Ann Maloney, NOLA.com, 19 July 2017
  • New this year to True Nature is a retreat for those with eating disorders and their family members.
    Plain Dealer guest writer, cleveland.com, 19 July 2017
Verb
  • This past April, O’Grady won a prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship, which was to support a new performance art piece reviving an old character from her past work.
    Benjamin Sutton, CNN, 16 Dec. 2024
  • That was just one of several costly acquisitions likely to be unwound as the company struggles to revive itself.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 15 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Jimin’s solo smash is also back on one more Billboard ranking, which feeds into where a song lands on the Hot 100.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
  • The buffalo bellows with rage — but the peaceful hippo just feeds and sleeps.
    Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 13 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Once upon a time, long, long ago, Brooklyn wasn’t considered hip, or interesting, or even, for those who lived and dined and died in Manhattan, a socially appropriate place to go out to eat.
    Helen Rosner, The New Yorker, 8 Dec. 2024
  • The sense of unfolding surprise is part of the fun of dining at Vespertine.
    Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 5 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Maher, having just renewed for another two seasons, is likely to at least match Letterman.
    Bob Guccione Jr., SPIN, 10 Dec. 2024
  • The pact renewed a handful of different agreements on multiple fronts across the U.S. and Europe.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 9 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near refresh

Cite this Entry

“Refresh.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refresh. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on refresh

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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