refinement
noun
re·fine·ment
ri-ˈfīn-mənt 
1
: the action or process of refining
2
: the quality or state of being refined : cultivation
3
a
: a refined feature or method
b
: a highly refined distinction : subtlety
c
: a contrivance or device intended to improve or perfect
Synonyms
Examples of refinement in a Sentence
the recent refinements in this area of medical technology
had a sense of refinement that her small hometown couldn't satisfy, so she moved to New York City to be closer to great museums and concert halls
Recent Examples on the Web
The ones here run the gamut with their industrial refinement, fetishistic hand-tooling, local woods and fabrics, and suave, often witty, whisperingly delicate lines and silhouettes.
—
Michael Kimmelman Clement Pascal, New York Times, 3 Apr. 2024
In summary, while regulatory and policy environments are evolving to better support climate tech innovations, there's a consensus on the need for further refinement to make these systems more accessible and effective for all stakeholders involved.
—Dasha Shunina, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024
With these welcome refinements, as well as accurate measurements in our testing, the Wyze Scale X earns our Editors’ Choice award for budget-friendly smart scales.
—PCMAG, 26 Jan. 2024
These elevated textiles add a touch of refinement and luxury, echoing the sophistication of traditional dress shoes.
—Michael Stefanov, Robb Report, 1 Apr. 2024
What started as a serendipitous discovery blossomed into a decade-long journey of refinement and dedication to the cause.
—Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 1 Apr. 2024
It was meant to be a cross between a Swiss chalet and a Norwegian Villa because European culture was considered to be the epitome of refinement at the time.
—The Arizona Republic, 30 Mar. 2024
More broadly, as the title suggests, he was captivated by a sense of beauty apart from traditional ideals of perfection, refinement and symmetry.
—Paul S. Atkins, The Conversation, 12 Mar. 2024
Now, with this third album, fans are getting a glimpse into his vulnerabilities, which range from messy to graceful refinement.
—Meagan Jordan, Rolling Stone, 18 Mar. 2024
Michael Kimmelman Clement Pascal, New York Times, 3 Apr. 2024
In summary, while regulatory and policy environments are evolving to better support climate tech innovations, there's a consensus on the need for further refinement to make these systems more accessible and effective for all stakeholders involved.
—Dasha Shunina, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024
With these welcome refinements, as well as accurate measurements in our testing, the Wyze Scale X earns our Editors’ Choice award for budget-friendly smart scales.
—PCMAG, 26 Jan. 2024
These elevated textiles add a touch of refinement and luxury, echoing the sophistication of traditional dress shoes.
—Michael Stefanov, Robb Report, 1 Apr. 2024
What started as a serendipitous discovery blossomed into a decade-long journey of refinement and dedication to the cause.
—Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 1 Apr. 2024
It was meant to be a cross between a Swiss chalet and a Norwegian Villa because European culture was considered to be the epitome of refinement at the time.
—The Arizona Republic, 30 Mar. 2024
More broadly, as the title suggests, he was captivated by a sense of beauty apart from traditional ideals of perfection, refinement and symmetry.
—Paul S. Atkins, The Conversation, 12 Mar. 2024
Now, with this third album, fans are getting a glimpse into his vulnerabilities, which range from messy to graceful refinement.
—Meagan Jordan, Rolling Stone, 18 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'refinement.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near refinement
Cite this Entry
“Refinement.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/refinement. Accessed 20 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
refinement
noun
re·fine·ment
ri-ˈfīn-mənt
1
: the action or process of refining
2
: the state of being refined : cultivation
3
a
: something that has been refined
refinements in dress and behavior
b
: something intended to improve or refine
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