Synonyms

refresh

American

[ri-fresh] / rɪˈfrɛʃ /

verb (used with object)

to provide new vigor and energy by rest, food, etc. (often used reflexively).

Synonyms:

revive
to stimulate (the memory).
to make fresh again; reinvigorate or cheer (a person, the mind, spirits, etc.).

Synonyms:

reanimate, enliven, freshen

Antonyms:

discourage, dispirit
to freshen in appearance, color, etc., as by a restorative.

Synonyms:

retouch, renew, renovate, repair, restore
Computers.
1. to access (the most recent version of a web page) from the internet instead of from the cache.
  
  I refreshed the page to see the current stock price before executing my online trade.
2. to display (an image) repeatedly, as on a CRT, in order to prevent fading.
3. to read and write (the contents of dynamic storage) at intervals in order to avoid loss of data.

verb (used without object)

to take refreshment, especially food or drink.
to become fresh or vigorous again; revive.

refresh British

/ rɪˈfrɛʃ /

verb

(usually tr or reflexive) to make or become fresh or vigorous, as through rest, drink, or food; revive or reinvigorate
(tr) to enliven (something worn or faded), as by adding new decorations
(tr) to stimulate (the memory)
(tr) to replenish, as with new equipment or stores
computing to display the latest updated version (of a web page or document); reload

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Usage

What does refresh mean? To refresh is to reinvigorate, renew, or restore something to its original condition or a better state. In the context of technology, refresh most commonly means to reload a web page or app in order to access the most recent or updated version of a display or feed. Example: It’s amazing how much a hot shower can really refresh your spirit.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Conjugated Forms

Present

Past

Future

Etymology

Origin of refresh

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English refreschen, from Middle French refreschir, Old French. See re-, fresh

Explanation

To refresh is to renew or revive — to make someone feel newly clean or invigorated. After a long, hot run, a glass of lemonade might refresh you. You might refresh yourself by taking a shower or a nap, and you can easily refresh your breath by brushing your teeth. When you refresh your memory, you stimulate it, or get it going: "I looked over my notes to refresh my memory before the quiz." On a computer, you can refresh a page by updating it. Refresh comes from the Old French refreschier, "refresh or renew."

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The chance that these century-old devices can get a refresh has caused the stocks of beaten-down solar equipment suppliers Enphase Energy and SolarEdge to double this year.

From Barron's • Jun. 4, 2026

For the stock market, the end of earnings season is the pause that might not refresh.

From Barron's • May 29, 2026

The company recently released its 18th generation of enterprise-level PowerEdge servers that could potentially drive a refresh cycle, as most of the company’s current install base is still on its 14th-generation servers.

From MarketWatch • May 28, 2026

Leading figures are promising unity and a political refresh.

From BBC • May 15, 2026

“Escort our guests to the baths, that they may refresh themselves, and bring them food and drink.”

From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023