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

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 The ring initially had a plain gold band crafted by Cleave & Company, the late Queen Elizabeth’s regular jeweler—but in 2019 Meghan refreshed the design by replacing it with a thin micro-pavé band instead. —

Isaac Bickerstaff, Glamour, 15 Jan. 2025 Golf odds refresh periodically and are subject to change, including on props and live betting. —

Jay Ginsbach, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025 Meanwhile, one of her character's looks from the first Princess Diaries movie seemed to get a red carpet refresh from her friend and former costar Jeremy Strong at the 2025 Golden Globes, and the actress took the opportunity to poke fun at the ensemble. —

Catherine Santino, People.com, 9 Jan. 2025 It has been refreshed over the years—most recently between 2021 and 2022—but never fully restored. —

Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 6 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for refresh

Recent Examples of Synonyms for refresh

Verb

After freezing rain pushed up electricity outages above 110,000 in Georgia on Friday night, many of those outages were being restored Saturday.

— CBS News, CBS News, 11 Jan. 2025
Similarly to Florida, New York restores the right to vote once a person is released from prison.

— Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAY, 11 Jan. 2025