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refresh

verb
re·​fresh | \ ri-ˈfresh How to pronounce refresh (audio) \
refreshed; refreshing; refreshes

Definition of refresh

transitive verb

1 : to restore strength and animation to : revive
2 : to freshen up : renovate
3a : to restore or maintain by renewing supply : replenish
b : arouse, stimulate let me refresh your memory
4 : to run water over or restore water to
5 : to update or renew (something, such as an image, the contents of a computer memory, or the displayed version of a Web page) especially by sending a new signal … on a 720p HDTV, each pixel gets refreshed 60 times a second. — Family Circle If you are unsure of whether the content you are viewing on a Web page is current, you should refresh the Web page.— Gary B. Shelley and Misty E. Vermaat

intransitive verb

1 : to become refreshed
2 : to take refreshment
3 : to lay in fresh provisions
Other Words from refresh Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about refresh

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Other Words from refresh

refresh noun

Choose the Right Synonym for refresh

renew, restore, refresh, renovate, rejuvenate mean to make like new. 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 restore implies a return to an original state after depletion or loss. restored a fine piece of furniture refresh implies the supplying of something necessary to restore lost strength, animation, or power. a refreshing drink renovate suggests a renewing by cleansing, repairing, or rebuilding. the apartment has been entirely renovated rejuvenate suggests the restoration of youthful vigor, powers, or appearance. the change in jobs rejuvenated her spirits

Examples of refresh in a Sentence

brought out some iced tea to refresh the spirits of the folks working out in the sun we were looking for a family-friendly restaurant where we could sit down and refresh before continuing

Recent Examples on the Web

 Present the roasted fish on a platter, topped with pan juices and surrounded by something refreshing, such as dressed cucumber. — Bonnie S. Benwick, Washington Post, "A sweet, spicy, tangy sauce makes this quick salmon dinner something to savor," 27 Aug. 2019 Yet, in a city where AirPods double as do-not-disturb signs, there’s something refreshing about a casual conversation with a complete stranger. — Simone Stolzoff, SFChronicle.com, "They called an UberPool and found love," 27 Aug. 2019 Snacks are pretty important, as are refreshing drinks, Purell and more snacks. — Jim Gronaw, baltimoresun.com/maryland/carroll, "Jim Gronaw: When kids go fishing, it sure is fun," 24 Aug. 2019 By Wednesday, an area of refreshing dew points in the upper 40s to near 50 degrees will filter south from Canada, bringing a comfortable early taste of fall air. — Matthew Cappucci, chicagotribune.com, "‘Ring of fire’ pattern brings dangerous heat, severe storms, flooding," 15 Aug. 2019 There is something refreshing about this willingness to subvert the pretensions of artistry. — Carrie Battan, The New Yorker, "Ed Sheeran and Friends," 22 July 2019 Go classic with the tabbouleh-like Cucumber, Red Onion, Tomato and Feta Salad, or be bold and toss into a Fresh Summer Peach Salad, where fish sauce and perfectly ripe peaches add sweetness and funk to cucumber’s clean, refreshing notes. — Kari Sonde, Washington Post, "Tips and recipes to make the most of your cucumbers," 18 July 2019 In addition, the caffeine from the green tea also increases circulation, leaving you with bright, refreshed eyes. — Nikhita Mahtani, CNN Underscored, "Want to fight dark circles? Look for these ingredients in your next eye cream," 10 Aug. 2019 Other mission team members were tasked with improving a preschool and spent hours tediously scraping old paint off of tables before refreshing the space with new paint and cabinets. — baltimoresun.com, "Springdale swimmers honored; Hunt Valley Church mission team also scores big," 6 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'refresh.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of refresh

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

History and Etymology for refresh

Middle English refresshen, from Anglo-French refreschir, from re- + fresch fresh — more at fresh

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More Definitions for refresh

refresh

verb
How to pronounce refresh (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of refresh

: to make (someone) have more energy and feel less tired or less hot
: to give someone more of (a drink) : to fill (someone's glass, cup, etc.) again
computers : to put (something, such as a page on the Internet) into a computer's memory again in order to show any new information : to cause an updated version of (something, such as an Internet page) to appear on a computer screen

See the full definition for refresh in the English Language Learners Dictionary

refresh

verb
re·​fresh | \ ri-ˈfresh How to pronounce refresh (audio) \
refreshed; refreshing

Kids Definition of refresh

: to bring back to an original state or normal condition (as by restoring energy or making more active) Let me refresh your memory.

Other Words from refresh

refresher noun

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