as in adjusting
to make small changes to (something) in order to improve the way it works or to make it exactly right
fine-tune a TV set fine-tune the temperature of the room They're fine-tuning interest rates to achieve economic growth without inflation.
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Recent Examples of fine-tuning
In her seven months as president of Beast Industry Studios, Henson has noticed Donaldson growing more patient and fine-tuning his sense of when employees need encouragement.
—
Sean Gregory, Time, 6 May 2026
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s tsunami warning program has spent decades fine-tuning rapid message dissemination.
—Ezgi Karasözen, The Conversation, 6 May 2026
By fine-tuning the models, developers could score a sustainability win.
—Adam Stone, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2026
To keep the parts from breaking, researchers are fine-tuning the metal to withstand constant stretching and squeezing.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 21 Apr. 2026
And while fine-tuning the setlist, perfecting choreography and adding final touches to her outfits are must-dos before the concert series kicks off in June, Duff tells PEOPLE in an exclusive interview that one of her most important pre-tour preparations is making sure her voice is at its best.
—Nicholas Rice, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026
Basham said when the city was fine-tuning its policy around electric bike and scooter use, there was a conscious effort to not exclude people who depend on those kinds of devices for recreational enjoyment.
—Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Jan. 2026
The county has worked for months with UCSD and Scripps researchers to absorb the protocols created by local researchers, gradually fine-tuning models so that the data that the county’s process creates matches with what has already been collected and published by the research effort.
—Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Jan. 2026
The actors expected to spend hours fine-tuning their performances and rehearsing key scenes.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 7 Jan. 2026
Sean Gregory, Time, 6 May 2026
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s tsunami warning program has spent decades fine-tuning rapid message dissemination.
—Ezgi Karasözen, The Conversation, 6 May 2026
By fine-tuning the models, developers could score a sustainability win.
—Adam Stone, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2026
To keep the parts from breaking, researchers are fine-tuning the metal to withstand constant stretching and squeezing.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 21 Apr. 2026
And while fine-tuning the setlist, perfecting choreography and adding final touches to her outfits are must-dos before the concert series kicks off in June, Duff tells PEOPLE in an exclusive interview that one of her most important pre-tour preparations is making sure her voice is at its best.
—Nicholas Rice, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026
Basham said when the city was fine-tuning its policy around electric bike and scooter use, there was a conscious effort to not exclude people who depend on those kinds of devices for recreational enjoyment.
—Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Jan. 2026
The county has worked for months with UCSD and Scripps researchers to absorb the protocols created by local researchers, gradually fine-tuning models so that the data that the county’s process creates matches with what has already been collected and published by the research effort.
—Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Jan. 2026
The actors expected to spend hours fine-tuning their performances and rehearsing key scenes.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 7 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fine-tuning
Verb
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Start the conversation, make your point clearly, and let the response shape what happens next instead of adjusting midstream.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
28 Apr. 2026
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In the clinical trials, most of these problems have been managed by adjusting the dose or adding supportive medications.—
Melissa Rudy,
FOXNews.com,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
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At the local level, laws and practices regulating gun dealers can vary widely from city to city.—
Connor Sheets,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Apr. 2026
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In much the same way, the government could pass new laws regulating AI firms’ commercial activities.—
Matteo Wong,
The Atlantic,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Former First Lady Laura Bush is credited with putting these delicious cookies—packed with oats, coconut, pecans, and chocolate chips—on the map.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
6 May 2026
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But putting people in an immersive environment to experience the tsunami without the deadly consequences of being there in person turned out to be the best way to help people grasp the scale.—
Ella Nilsen,
CNN Money,
6 May 2026
Verb
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During a preliminary hearing, prosecutors presented DNA evidence matching blood found on the rim of Alnaji’s megaphone to Kessler.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
7 May 2026
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There were even moments of consensus around issues like extending the life of California’s last nuclear plant and matching film production tax credits offered by other states and countries.—
Ben Paviour,
Sacbee.com,
7 May 2026
Verb
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While new media have become part of journalists’ everyday workflow, the constant evolution of digital platforms poses ongoing challenges in adapting to new tools and managing the pressures of constant connectivity.—
Kirstin Pellizzaro,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
27 Apr. 2026
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The spotlight is going to be on offensive coordinator Sean Mannion and his new scheme, along with quarterback Jalen Hurts adapting to the new scheme and making improvements in 2025, but the Eagles have added explosive rookies who can create separation and make plays in the open field.—
Zach Berman,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Fine-tuning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fine-tuning. Accessed 11 May. 2026.
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