1
as in evolved
being far along in development
a refined analysis of the factors that produce economic wealth in the new global economy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in pure
free from added matter
refined gold
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in civilized
having or showing a taste for the fine arts and gracious living
a refined couple who have hosted many elegant benefits for organizations promoting the arts
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in elegant
having or showing elegance
a refined woman with gracious manners
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in subtle
made or done with extreme care and accuracy
the dressmaker took a set of quite refined measurements before actually starting work
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in exquisite
satisfying or pleasing because of fineness or mildness
the chef's refined cuisine is one that true gourmets will appreciate
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
7
as in accurate
meeting the highest standard of accuracy
this is not a refined calculation of the total number of calories in the dish—just a rough estimate
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in improved
to make better
worked on refining her backhand before the big tennis match
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 refined
Catharine Malzahn, Glamour, 18 June 2025
Instead of idolizing sitcom trendsetters, many emulate lifestyle creators who promote capsule wardrobes, skincare routines, and age-appropriate yet refined looks.
—Dia Gallo, Parents, 17 June 2025
Michael Teo Van Runkle, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024
The eatery was casual enough to make the parents of a toddler (and the toddler herself) feel comfortable, while the cuisine was still refined.
—Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 27 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for refined
Adjective
Our favorite celebs are trading in their bold blondes for a more natural and refined take on the color.
—Catharine Malzahn, Glamour, 18 June 2025
Instead of idolizing sitcom trendsetters, many emulate lifestyle creators who promote capsule wardrobes, skincare routines, and age-appropriate yet refined looks.
—Dia Gallo, Parents, 17 June 2025
Verb
Something so refined that every detail contributes to the sense of a whole—in hindsight, only the Lexus LX 600 comes to mind as somewhat similar in the unique embodiment of overall quality.
—Michael Teo Van Runkle, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024
The eatery was casual enough to make the parents of a toddler (and the toddler herself) feel comfortable, while the cuisine was still refined.
—Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 27 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for refined
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refined
Adjective
-
This mocktail is pure indulgence with a playful twist.—
Essence,
Essence,
17 June 2025
-
The fuel running this sleek, aerodynamic speedster of a movie is 100-percent pure star power.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
17 June 2025
Adjective
-
Iran has been stringing along international watchdogs and civilized nations for years regarding its nuclear program.—
Editorial,
Boston Herald,
18 June 2025
-
The whole world, the United States, and Europe must finally respond as a civilized society responds to terrorists.—
Isabel van Brugen,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 June 2025
Adjective
-
House hunters are even willing to pay up to about $1,600 more for a kitchen with cabinets in the elegant green tone, according to Zillow's analysis.—
Anne Marie D. Lee,
CBS News,
18 June 2025
-
Grace Karin Floral Maxi Sundress, $48 with Prime $60 $48 at Amazon This floral maxi sundress creates an elegant A-line silhouette that shoppers say looks beautiful on a wide range of figures and heights.—
Izzy Baskette,
People.com,
18 June 2025
Adjective
-
What started as a subtle act of protest has become national news.—
Jack Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2025
-
When paired to a non-Huawei phone, audio quality still sounds good, but has a subtle loss of depth.—
Ben Sin,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2025
Adjective
-
Chalfant illustrates this in the film with exquisite subtlety, assuming by turns the disposition of a coy flirt and a take-charge kitchen taskmaster.—
Lisa Wong Macabasco,
Vogue,
20 June 2025
-
This corner of the hotel transported me to an exquisite European hotel; the display bottles were Chinotto, Bitter Bianco, Sicilian Amara, and other spirits.—
Marcia DeSanctis,
Travel + Leisure,
20 June 2025
Adjective
-
But even if Trump’s characterization turns out to be accurate, the destruction of Iran’s nuclear facilities may not mean the end of the Iranian nuclear threat.—
Matthew Chance,
CNN Money,
23 June 2025
-
Despite the vast expansion in the number of sensors, the insurance institute’s testing found, the male THOR dummy was less accurate than the current Hybrid dummies, which also had limitations.—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
23 June 2025
Verb
-
With Friday’s victory, the Heat improved to 9-20 this season against teams currently with a winning record.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
1 Mar. 2025
-
In reading, both fourth and eighth graders’ results are down from 2022, while in math, fourth-grade scores have not improved since before the pandemic and eighth-grade scores are at their lowest in decades.—
Thibaut Delloue,
Orlando Sentinel,
1 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
The kidney also stays outside the body for less time due to advanced planning.—
Rebecca Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
14 June 2025
-
In some areas, this might work: Restricting the export of advanced U.S. semiconductor technology to China seems to have helped hold Beijing’s chip industry back.—
Michael Schuman,
The Atlantic,
14 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Refined.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refined. Accessed 27 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share