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

Example 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 Apple is refreshing its entire smartwatch lineup without a price hike, adding things like blood pressure monitoring and enhanced sleep monitoring alongside battery improvement. Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 9 Sep. 2025 No amount of naps, no amount of sleep could refresh me. Wendy Grossman Kantor, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2025 Crochet was back to five days rest Monday and clearly looked refreshed. Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 9 Sep. 2025 To that end, Bluemercury is focusing on personalized service and has refreshed the brand’s visual identity. James Manso, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for refresh
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refresh
Verb
  • Afterwards, McClintock said on X that the power to impose tariffs should be restored to Congress.
    Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 17 Sep. 2025
  • The ridiculously nourishing formula leaves you glistening but never greasy, with the coconut, açai, and brazil nut oils restoring suppleness to a level that pleased our testers as much as its tropical, coconutty scent and mess-free pump.
    Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • No doubt Nelson was in trouble, but referee Robert Boyle called an end to the fight as Nelson ate some hard combinations.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Making some art, eating some really good food, and then ending with a sunset at Blacks Beach.
    Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Its peptides, biotin, glycerin, and ginseng root extract offer a nourishing defense against breakage and brittleness, reviving the brows of numerous staffers at Allure HQ.
    Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Economists expect the yuan could strengthen to 7 per dollar by the end of this year — a conviction driven in large part by Beijing's efforts to revive economic growth and encourage more investment onshore.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Carbon credit monetization – Forward-looking companies are already earning credits by capturing and storing emissions, feeding into voluntary and compliance carbon markets.
    Peter Bendor-Samuel, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Hospitals can store medical records, lab results, imaging scans, and real time feeds from bedside monitors in a single hub.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In our case, the timing of the tides required us to head for port a day early, allowing for extra sightseeing time, to dine off the ship, and stretch our legs.
    Stefanie Waldek, AFAR Media, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Tanha first met Mahomes in 2018, after the player dined at Toca Madera in West Hollywood.
    Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The Walton Family Foundation renewed and expanded its support for the Northwest Arkansas Kiva Hub with a three-year commitment and $1 million contribution to the loan match fund on Wednesday.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The pair renewed their tensions at a candidate forum this year.
    Mary Ramsey Updated September 9, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Refresh.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refresh. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

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