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Synonyms

refreshing

American  
[ri-fresh-ing] / rɪˈfrɛʃ ɪŋ /

adjective

  1. having the power to restore freshness, vitality, energy, etc..

    a refreshing nap.

  2. pleasingly fresh or different.

    a refreshing lack of pretense.
refreshing British  
/ rɪˈfrɛʃɪŋ /

adjective

  1. able to or tending to refresh; invigorating

  2. pleasantly different or novel

"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

Other Word Forms

  • refreshingly adverb
  • refreshingness noun
  • unrefreshing adjective
  • unrefreshingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of refreshing

First recorded in 1570–80; refresh + -ing 2

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 film’s perspective on mental health, including Sam being open about his use of antidepressants, is quietly refreshing.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

Scientists still do not fully understand what happens in the brain to create this sense of deep, refreshing rest.

From Science Daily • Mar. 26, 2026

Mangan points out that the team and audience need to "build up a rhythm and rapport with the show", adding "it felt refreshing to see an ambition / piece of madness... even being attempted".

From BBC • Mar. 22, 2026

"People are currently thinking about leaving the city, going out, refreshing themselves, but right now they can't afford it," he told AFP.

From Barron's • Mar. 18, 2026

They woke the next day to brilliant sunshine and a light, refreshing breeze.

From "Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets" by J. K. Rowling

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

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.