refresh
Americanverb (used with object)
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refreshes,
present (3rd person singular)
-
refreshed,
past participle, past
-
refreshing
present participle
-
to provide new vigor and energy by rest, food, etc. (often used reflexively).
- Synonyms:
- revive
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to stimulate (the memory).
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to make fresh again; reinvigorate or cheer (a person, the mind, spirits, etc.).
- Antonyms:
- discourage, dispirit
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to freshen in appearance, color, etc., as by a restorative.
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Computers.
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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.
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to display (an image) repeatedly, as on a CRT, in order to prevent fading.
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to read and write (the contents of dynamic storage) at intervals in order to avoid loss of data.
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verb (used without object)
-
refreshes,
present (3rd person singular)
-
refreshed,
past participle, past
-
refreshing
present participle
-
to take refreshment, especially food or drink.
-
to become fresh or vigorous again; revive.
verb
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(usually tr or reflexive) to make or become fresh or vigorous, as through rest, drink, or food; revive or reinvigorate
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(tr) to enliven (something worn or faded), as by adding new decorations
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(tr) to stimulate (the memory)
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(tr) to replenish, as with new equipment or stores
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computing to display the latest updated version (of a web page or document); reload
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
Inflected Forms
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
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refreshsimple
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refreshessimple
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have refreshedperfect
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has refreshedperfect
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am refreshingprogressive
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are refreshingprogressive
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is refreshingprogressive
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have been refreshingperfect progressive
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has been refreshingperfect progressive
Past
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refreshedsimple
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had refreshedperfect
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was refreshingprogressive
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were refreshingprogressive
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had been refreshingperfect progressive
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."
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.
See Examples For:
He added: "We need to be ready here and we need to refresh those drills and be ready to act on them should any of those threats actually become a reality for us."
From BBC ● Sep. 23, 2026
Kids’ clothing chain Carter’s is rolling out a brand refresh and new marketing tactics to win Gen Z and millennial parents.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 15, 2026
While writing “East of the River,” she returned to the book to refresh her inspiration, and its impact is apparent.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 9, 2026
The new season will feature a visual refresh, a renewed emphasis on original investigations, and technology as a theme.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 8, 2026
I refresh a few times and then check my sent folder to make sure the email went through.
From "Marcus Vega Doesn't Speak Spanish" by Pablo Cartaya
Overall, "this will result, between now and 2030, in more than 60 new vehicle launches and 50 significant refreshes, across all brands and powertrain energies".
From Barron's ● May 21, 2026
The only clear morals of “Transcription” have to do with its insistence on mystery, and on art that teases the mind and refreshes the senses.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 31, 2026
“As the portfolio refreshes, that capital will start earning the current interest rate, and that is supplementing their growth,” Nygren says.
From MarketWatch ● Feb. 5, 2026
“Tesla’s refreshes are pretty modest, and they’re driven by improving profitability,” said Ed Niedermeyer, who has written a book about Tesla and is working on a follow-up.
From Slate ● Feb. 12, 2025
It was a light, dreamless sleep, a kind of half-sleep, that refreshes but does not shut off the world completely.
From "The Chosen" by Chaim Potok
Built in 1976, the interior and exterior of the two-story home were lovingly refreshed to reflect Keaton’s signature modern black-and-white aesthetic.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 7, 2026
"Our findings suggest that repeated use of Hinoki root essential oil at home may support sleep initiation, sleep continuity, and feeling refreshed in the morning."
From Science Daily ● Oct. 6, 2026
My colleagues have curated some great stories to help you get refreshed and reenergized this evening.
From Slate ● Sep. 23, 2026
Vera Bradley is benefiting from its refreshed product assortment, a stepped-up marketing strategy, improved inventory management, and disciplined pricing and promotion governance, Bickley said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 15, 2026
Q: How many times per hour is cabin air refreshed?
From "Everything, Everything" by Nicola Yoon
Glori’s character also represents a refreshing departure from the way Latina women are often portrayed onscreen.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 16, 2026
In the wake of Gillis’ most recent hosting gig, it’s been refreshing to see men in the entertainment industry call him out.
From Salon ● Oct. 14, 2026
Citroen chief executive Xavier Chardon described the new car as "a modern, ingenious and refreshing response to the mobility challenges of tomorrow".
From BBC ● Oct. 11, 2026
Kang noted the influence of South Korean dramas smuggled in on USB drives, finding them "so refreshing and more credible than North Korea state propaganda".
From Barron's ● Sep. 28, 2026
That, to my mind, is only three ingredients and constitutes a refreshing change of pace.
From "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris
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