1
as in improvement
an instance of notable progress in the development of knowledge, technology, or skill
the recent refinements in this area of medical technology
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in accomplishment
a high level of taste and enlightenment as a result of extensive intellectual training and exposure to the arts
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in elegance
dignified or restrained beauty of form, appearance, or style
although she can afford all the jewelry that money can buy, she dresses with the gentle refinement that only taste can bestow
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of refinement
At the turn of the twentieth century, perfumery was widely regarded as a European inheritance—guarded by Paris and Grasse, shaped by centuries of ritual and refinement.
—
Sudhir Gupta, Rolling Stone, 25 Mar. 2026
But his pass rushing needs refinement, and his consistency is lacking.
—Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2026
Subaru enthusiasts may likely look past the vehicle’s main downfall, its subpar range and lack of refinement.
—James Raia, Mercury News, 22 Mar. 2026
For me, Skin Botox works best with Rejuran or a hyaluronic acid booster like Skinvive; the combination of texture refinement and hydration hits differently than either treatment alone.
—Jenny Jin, Allure, 21 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for refinement
Sudhir Gupta, Rolling Stone, 25 Mar. 2026
But his pass rushing needs refinement, and his consistency is lacking.
—Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2026
Subaru enthusiasts may likely look past the vehicle’s main downfall, its subpar range and lack of refinement.
—James Raia, Mercury News, 22 Mar. 2026
For me, Skin Botox works best with Rejuran or a hyaluronic acid booster like Skinvive; the combination of texture refinement and hydration hits differently than either treatment alone.
—Jenny Jin, Allure, 21 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for refinement
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refinement
Noun
-
Kansas has not been a program built on turning over its roster every season but rather generating improvement from those already on it — and then trying to find ways to fill in the gaps when necessary.—
Sam McDowell,
Kansas City Star,
2 Apr. 2026
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After the plan is shared, the Citizens Bond Advisory Committee will bring recommendations to the school board for a bond election for capital improvements.—
Fousia Abdullahi,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
As at many workplaces, agency assessments can be hyperbolic, reflecting the effusiveness of a supportive boss trying to promote the accomplishments of his team and win his employee a raise.—
David D. Kirkpatrick,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
-
One of his proudest accomplishments was creating the FWISD Scholar Athlete Award program.—
Kamal Morgan,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Their products are trusted by chefs around the world for their performance, durability and timeless elegance.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Charming original features have been restored and a refined contemporary elegance woven in, with old-world Venetian craftsmanship sitting alongside more modern touches.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The department did not advertise the event in advance, hoping the surprise would benefit people who genuinely needed the help, police said.—
Briseida Holguin,
CBS News,
1 Apr. 2026
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Ukraine has developed advance drone technology to counter Russian barrages and is offering to help Gulf countries block Iranian drone attacks.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
And yet, at the very same time, Judaism – as a religion, a civilization, and a people – is inseparable from a connection to the Land of Israel.—
Rabbi Tuvia Brander,
Hartford Courant,
30 Mar. 2026
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But the real key here is that, for thousands of years the civilizations have fought over those strategic choke points.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Plus, uncertainty – the biggest domino of them all – had the potential to recede as companies gained greater clarity on the economy, borrowing costs, tariffs and other federal policies, technological advancements, and geopolitical developments.—
Alicia Wallace,
CNN Money,
29 Mar. 2026
-
The recent increase in reports may also be linked to advancements in technology and widespread camera use, prompting the question of whether these tools are amplifying the apparent surge.—
Jamie Carter,
Space.com,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
On the Island of the Gods, fresh ideas arrive like waves, creating a glorious cocktail of cultures and influences.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Mar. 2026
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The reactions go to show how expectations around wedding photography can vary widely across cultures and individuals.—
Claire Dodds,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The fact that none of us got to see it, adds to the majesty and allure of the yeti, right?—
Brayden Garcia,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Many scientists have expressed how studying the majesty of the cosmos can be complementary rather than conflicting with their faith or spiritual practice.—
Deepa Bharath,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Refinement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refinement. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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