1
as in evolved
being far along in development
a refined analysis of the factors that produce economic wealth in the new global economy
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Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in pure
free from added matter
refined gold
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3
as in cultured
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
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4
as in elegant
having or showing elegance
a refined woman with gracious manners
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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
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6
as in exquisite
satisfying or pleasing because of fineness or mildness
the chef's refined cuisine is one that true gourmets will appreciate
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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
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as in improved
to make better
worked on refining her backhand before the big tennis match
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of refined
Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 23 Oct. 2025
Quince Mongolian Cashmere Fisherman Sweater Vest This Quince sweater vest takes cozy to a refined new level.
—Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
AFAR Media, 29 Oct. 2025
Even as models were refined, calculations were checked, detectors were calibrated, and independent neutrino detectors were built (but seeing the same result), the discrepancy remained.
—Big Think, 28 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for refined
Adjective
The vanilla emerges warm and enveloping, wrapped in this gorgeous suede accord that makes the whole composition feel expensive and refined.
—Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 23 Oct. 2025
Quince Mongolian Cashmere Fisherman Sweater Vest This Quince sweater vest takes cozy to a refined new level.
—Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
Warm and refined, the natural fleece layers of icebreaker’s RealFleece™ Descender line look sharp enough for a fireside dinner but have the technical details to keep you warm when moving around the snowy grounds.
—AFAR Media, 29 Oct. 2025
Even as models were refined, calculations were checked, detectors were calibrated, and independent neutrino detectors were built (but seeing the same result), the discrepancy remained.
—Big Think, 28 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for refined
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refined
Adjective
-
While modern tomatoes have evolved to no longer produce the eggplant alkaloids, those on the western Galápagos Islands had seemingly re-evolved, or de-evolved, to contain this ancestral gene.—
Taylor Nicioli,
CNN Money,
30 Oct. 2025
-
Fire offered an evolved take on their post-hardcore calling card, but Water was largely electronic, resulting in a haunting yet serene setting.—
Brian Davids,
HollywoodReporter,
30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Such is life in Marthaland, where homemaking tasks are plucked from the realm of everyday drudgery and elevated to a pure pursuit of excellence.—
Hannah Goldfield,
New Yorker,
3 Nov. 2025
-
To this end, while the loss of two aircraft in short order seems suspicious, it could be explained through pure chance.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
His goal to seal the win against Italy — a lung-busting run and cultured finish in the dying moments — helped to illustrate the impressive engine at the heart of Cremaschi’s game.—
Thom Harris,
New York Times,
23 Oct. 2025
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Because each cell type is cultured separately, they can be genetically edited to study specific diseases or therapeutic responses.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The Softstreme High-rise Wide-leg Cropped Pant has a weighty drape that adds an elegant edge to what otherwise feels like loungewear, given how remarkably soft the Softstreme fabric is.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
26 Oct. 2025
-
The long-sleeve polo sweater has elegant pearl buttons that pop against the sweater’s neutral color.—
Melony Forcier,
PEOPLE,
26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Featuring a subtle kick flare at the hem and chic pintuck detailing, they’re designed to hit right under the calf, or just at the ankle for petite people like myself.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
26 Oct. 2025
-
Adding parsnips and turnips to the recipe gives the dish a subtle earthy flavor that perfectly complements the savory chicken.—
Sarah Martens,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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What a shame that such an exquisite eye for art should only be conditioned to look for profit.—
David Ehrlich,
IndieWire,
29 Oct. 2025
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In such a world, relying on a handful of exquisite, slow-to-build ships is a vulnerability.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
World’s most advanced quantum clocks Quantum clocks provide very accurate timekeeping.—
Kapil Kajal,
Interesting Engineering,
4 Nov. 2025
-
November 04, 2025 When Wikipedia was founded in 2001, the idea that people around the world could come together to create an accurate online encyclopedia covering virtually any topic seemed far-fetched.—
Harvard Business Review,
Harvard Business Review,
4 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The Penguins improved to 6-0-2 in their past eight after Bryan Rust and Ben Kindel scored 61 seconds apart in the third period to snap a 1-1 tie.—
Michael Russo,
New York Times,
31 Oct. 2025
-
This month, a gadget for brewing better tea, a love letter to a lost water bottle, and a new-and-improved version of viral pan (yes, that one).—
Alaina Chou,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
30 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Refined.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refined. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025.
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