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
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
-
As Electrek points out, the E-VO isn't a pure Honda product.—
Utkarsh Sood
June 29,
New Atlas,
29 June 2025
-
Add in the pure creativity and skill of Lucas Raymond and Alex DeBrincat (legit competitors in their own rights, albeit in smaller bodies), and the two-way play of Dylan Larkin and Nate Danielson, and the future forward lineup starts to look pretty balanced.—
Max Bultman,
New York Times,
29 June 2025
Adjective
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The process is longest for tuberculosis, which requires samples to be cultured, grown naturally on special plates covered with nutrients, before they can be tested.—
Paul Sisson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
2 June 2025
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His style is based on a unique blend of physicality and cultured in-possession play.—
James Horncastle,
New York Times,
17 May 2025
Adjective
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Auberge Tokito, which opened in April 2024, is an elegant Ryokan (Japanese-style restaurant with lodging facilities) in Tachikawa City on the outskirts of central Tokyo.—
Akiko Katayama,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
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For the rest of her styling, Gomez wore a black gown with velvet bow detailing and an elegant French bob, proving that lilac goes with pretty much anything.—
Ariana Yaptangco,
Glamour,
30 June 2025
Adjective
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In this edition, the grey tone reflects the muted, misty landscape of the British coast, with subtle variations achieved through multiple layers of transparent lacquer.—
Matthew Catellier,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
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The boxy shape and subtle back snaps add airflow and style, and the whole outfit can be rinsed in a hotel sink and re-worn with no stress.—
Alesandra Dubin,
Travel + Leisure,
30 June 2025
Adjective
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Le Melange is a pastry boutique that felt like an exquisite jewelry store.—
Marcia DeSanctis,
Travel + Leisure,
30 June 2025
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All this evidence suggests that the earliest tarot deck may have been used for little more than a courtly card game, an exquisite plaything for the super-rich.—
John Last,
Smithsonian Magazine,
30 June 2025
Adjective
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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
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Bottom line: Even when data show that generative AI is more accurate, patients still want to talk with a human when facing complex or life-threatening decisions.—
Robert Pearl,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
Verb
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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
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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
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Kaplan explained that the techniques used to find LPTs are the same as those used to train advanced computer intelligence models used for security research, TikTok algorithms and more.—
Mia Thurow,
USA Today,
26 June 2025
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And most advanced use cases are still in pilot phases.—
Sheryl Estrada,
Fortune,
26 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Refined.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refined. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.
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