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
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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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 13 May 2026
Being whole-grain, Matei’s bread is both refined and rustic.
—Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 13 May 2026
Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 6 May 2026
Opiela said anatomical rules can be established and refined this year through the process for state regulations, which starts with posting in the Texas Register.
—Dug Begley, Houston Chronicle, 4 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for refined
Adjective
Zesica Flutter-sleeve Smocked Midi Dress Flattering and versatile, this dress hits the sweet spot between refined and playful.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 13 May 2026
Being whole-grain, Matei’s bread is both refined and rustic.
—Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 13 May 2026
Verb
His reading system, refined over the past four years, is rigorous.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 6 May 2026
Opiela said anatomical rules can be established and refined this year through the process for state regulations, which starts with posting in the Texas Register.
—Dug Begley, Houston Chronicle, 4 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for refined
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refined
Adjective
-
Indigo Girls fans already have an evolved perspective on aging and a deeper understanding of how badass vulnerability really is.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
19 Apr. 2026
-
Several prominent names in the sport have been vocal in recent years about the need for an evolved calendar, one that reflects a competitive yet health-conscious approach.—
Sam Cohn,
Baltimore Sun,
14 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The sun and moon appear almost the same size in our sky by pure coincidence.—
Jamie Carter,
Space.com,
10 May 2026
-
Bubble Up has a more natural taste than many of its competitors because it’s made with pure cane sugar and lemon and lime oils, rather than high-fructose corn syrup and artificial flavors, The Tasting Table reported.—
Teresa Mull,
FOXNews.com,
9 May 2026
Adjective
-
The durable cultured marble top holds two ceramic undermount sinks.—
Yelena Moroz Alpert,
Architectural Digest,
28 Apr. 2026
-
In short, for the first time Tavira will be in the sights of the cultured, high-end traveler who at last has somewhere to lay their (well coiffured) head.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The two front doors open to reveal ample storage that expands to the back of the table, making this a piece that adds both an elegant and functional touch to a hallway or foyer.—
Rachel Trujillo,
PEOPLE,
9 May 2026
-
Guests were served canapes including a surprisingly brilliant mango and mung bean tartare plus chicken teriyaki kebabs, all washed down with elegant Hugo Spritz and espresso martinis.—
Partner Content,
Variety,
9 May 2026
Adjective
-
Is there a subtle way to say something?—
Judith Martin,
Sun Sentinel,
14 May 2026
-
Many viewers interpreted the scene as a subtle reference to Sweeney's political beliefs after BuzzFeed reported in August that Sweeney was registered as a Republican in Florida.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
13 May 2026
Adjective
-
To be a Disney adult is to be an appreciator of exquisite design and a believer in storytelling.—
Todd Martens,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2026
-
Tablecloths are black and lights ultra low, the better to show off the exquisite, almost otherworldly dishes.—
Ligaya Mishan,
New York Times,
11 May 2026
Adjective
-
According to Aliabadi, many patients never felt like PCOS was an accurate name because their symptoms go far beyond the ovaries to include effects like hair thinning, mood changes, and long-term metabolic risk.—
Jenna Anderson,
Health,
13 May 2026
-
But subsequent reporting found that was not entirely accurate.—
Camilo Montoya-Galvez,
CBS News,
13 May 2026
Verb
-
Joao Pedro has improved in that role throughout the season, but having other physically strong attackers return from injury will be important.—
Cerys Jones,
New York Times,
13 May 2026
-
Smartphone cameras have improved dramatically over the past decade, but the moment of capture still remains surprisingly difficult.—
Connie Etemadi,
USA Today,
12 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Refined.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refined. Accessed 16 May. 2026.
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