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
Essence, 1 May 2025
Scandinavian design is making a refined yet powerful impact on modern American interiors, especially through the rising popularity of Nordic area rugs.
—Rowan Briggs, Mercury News, 1 May 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
Her wardrobe reflects this with refined silk pieces in pastel pinks, often associated with femininity, creating a stark contrast to those around her.
—Essence, 1 May 2025
Scandinavian design is making a refined yet powerful impact on modern American interiors, especially through the rising popularity of Nordic area rugs.
—Rowan Briggs, Mercury News, 1 May 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
-
Blackberry Smoke is just a kick-ass band that’s been doing it the right way, the honest way, the hard way, the pure way, for a very long time.—
Jessica Nicholson,
Billboard,
30 Apr. 2025
-
When a curious 6-year-old met a playful dolphin, their precious connection created pure magic.—
Ronnie Li,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Blending Islamic and secular visions for the new nation, the five pillars are a belief in God, civilized humanity, national unity, democracy, and social justice for all.—
Lindsey McGinnis,
Christian Science Monitor,
1 May 2025
-
Far removed from and entirely without protection of the courts of civilized life, these fortune-seekers made laws to meet their varying emergencies.—
Liz Tracey,
JSTOR Daily,
21 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
With elegant interiors, a stunning outdoor patio, and a nod to the artistic and culinary traditions of the Côte d'Azur, Claudie invites guests to indulge in the magic of the South of France with every visit.—
Erica Wertheim Zohar,
Forbes.com,
1 May 2025
-
The food, elegant and plated with conviction, has shades of both French and Italian influences, and the wine list is among the best in the Queen City.—
Timothy DePeugh,
Charlotte Observer,
1 May 2025
Adjective
-
Our physical body is the antenna for all of these sensations; a relaxed, thawed body can pick up more subtle signals.—
Ginny Whitelaw,
Forbes.com,
1 May 2025
-
There are subtle peacock tail motifs throughout the hotel, from the geometric patterns in intricate kumiko woodwork headboards to Japanese washi paper designs in the elevator.—
Amber Gibson,
Travel + Leisure,
30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Rod is yet another exquisite entry on his résumé of ultraentitled, deeply insecure men.—
Sophie Brookover,
Vulture,
2 May 2025
-
On Mother’s Day, mom can enjoy limited-time menu items including an exquisite chuyu tataki to start, featuring sushi-grade tuna with a Quechua curry crust, paired with a fresh mango and avocado salad and drizzled with a coconut-aji vinaigrette ($34).—
Amy Drew Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
1 May 2025
Adjective
-
Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.—
Emily DeLetter,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2025
-
Retailers often struggle with data silos, inconsistent quality, and integration issues, Sheridan says, which complicate accurate analysis in addition to concerns around consumer privacy.—
Kiri Masters,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 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 first-generation satellite system will include more than 3,200 advanced low-Earth orbit satellites, which will be delivered across more than 80 launches in the coming years.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2025
-
That learning curve can be particularly steep with a club like the Dodgers, as pitchers have to balance their own personal preferences with the highly detailed game-planning information that goes into the team’s advanced scouting reports.—
Jack Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Refined.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refined. Accessed 9 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share