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
Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 4 June 2025
Each meal is packaged in a plastic tray with two or three compartments sealed with a plastic film—think a more refined TV dinner.
—Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 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
The researchers looked at the women’s consumption of dietary fiber, total carbohydrates, refined carbohydrates, high-quality (unrefined) carbohydrates, and carbohydrates from whole grains, fruits, vegetables and legumes.
—Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 4 June 2025
Each meal is packaged in a plastic tray with two or three compartments sealed with a plastic film—think a more refined TV dinner.
—Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 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
-
Perhaps the truth, however, is that Emmanuel-Thomas, in pure sporting terms, has always been something of a puzzle.—
Stuart James,
New York Times,
6 June 2025
-
At the same time, demand for hybrids and plug-in hybrids is diverting sales away from pure EVs.—
Neil Winton,
Forbes.com,
5 June 2025
Adjective
-
Whatever one believes, violence for political ends has no place in a civilized society.—
The Editorial Board,
Oc Register,
3 June 2025
-
Exile away from the rest of the civilized federation.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
20 May 2025
Adjective
-
And Just Like That… is, for lack of a more elegant term, so goddamn weird this season.—
Emma Bocchi,
Vogue,
6 June 2025
-
The newest model continues to fuse advanced materials with Japanese craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology to create a timepiece that is durable, precise and elegant.—
Fairchild Studio,
Footwear News,
6 June 2025
Adjective
-
The family secrets were subtle but pervasive, reverberating not just through this nuclear family, but also across generations.—
Susan Walter
June 6,
Literary Hub,
6 June 2025
-
Your new album, Faith, is a lot subtler than your debut, Signs.—
Philip Sherburne,
Pitchfork,
6 June 2025
Adjective
-
In addition, Vi boasts exquisite restaurants offering a range of casual to upscale dining with a focus on scratch cooking. Clubs, classes and events create opportunities for residents to make new and deeper connections with each other.—
Advertorial,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 June 2025
-
With the opening of the new Casa Sanlorenzo cultural centre, Sanlorenzo pivots from producing exquisite vessels to becoming a vessel itself, one that carries culture, ideas, and transformation.—
Lee Sharrock,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
Adjective
-
Very few accurate transfer links to Leeds have emerged as of June 6.—
Beren Cross,
New York Times,
7 June 2025
-
Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.—
Maryal Miller Carter,
USA Today,
7 June 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
-
However, because no candidate received over 50% of the vote in that round, both advanced to Sunday’s runoff election.—
Washington Examiner Staff,
The Washington Examiner,
2 June 2025
-
Even during the May OTA malaise, few drills draw the eye more than the athleticism and advanced drill work of the Bengals’ skill players.—
Paul Dehner Jr,
New York Times,
2 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Refined.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refined. Accessed 14 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share