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 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
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
Gina Góngora, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Mar. 2026
For a more refined affair, consider this cute polyester table runner.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2026
Abby Dodge, CBS News, 10 Mar. 2026
Pages are evaluated in clusters rather than in isolation, and performance signals inform what gets refined.
—Jason Phillips, USA Today, 9 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for refined
Adjective
The flavors range from Mediterranean warmth at Macondo, to the refined Japanese sensibility of Kuu, while La Popular, set directly on the sand, brings the rhythm of the sea to table.
—Gina Góngora, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Mar. 2026
For a more refined affair, consider this cute polyester table runner.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2026
Verb
The president said 100 million barrels of Venezuelan oil are currently being refined in Houston, with another 100 million on the way.
—Abby Dodge, CBS News, 10 Mar. 2026
Pages are evaluated in clusters rather than in isolation, and performance signals inform what gets refined.
—Jason Phillips, USA Today, 9 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for refined
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refined
Adjective
-
Released 18 years after 28 Weeks Later (2007), the third installment in the postapocalyptic horror series is set on one of the British Isles, where a community has flourished, isolated from the more evolved versions of the infected that still terrorize the region.—
Ilana Gordon,
Entertainment Weekly,
5 Mar. 2026
-
In the last century, scientists have found bountiful evidence of complexity and engineering in living systems that seems highly unlikely to have emerged from a world of evolved necessity.—
Andrew McDiarmid,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The shot was pure, skimming atop the grass to nestle inside the far post.—
Josh Gross,
Daily News,
15 Mar. 2026
-
Plus, it’s made out of pure cedar.—
Shea Simmons,
Southern Living,
14 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The end result is a cultured information of markets that supports thoughtful techniques, reliable forecasting and knowledgeable positioning without pointless complexity.—
Ascend Agency,
Mercury News,
3 Mar. 2026
-
Marty is not cultured, colorful and neurotic with a penchant for Yiddish outbursts.—
David Colman,
HollywoodReporter,
23 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Taylor’s voice, as guileless and elegant as ever, ties together what could have been a random-feeling assemblage of tunes in a silky bow.—
Molly Mary O’Brien,
Pitchfork,
14 Mar. 2026
-
The pair, who make up the Penrose Tilbury design firm, set out to reimagine this older structure as an elegant but comfortable home.—
Annabelle Dufraigne,
Architectural Digest,
14 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Among California’s most upscale neighborhoods, a subtle reshuffling has taken place in recent decades, with the highest home values migrating from Northern California to Southern California.—
Terry Castleman,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Mar. 2026
-
Key Takeaways The symptoms of transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM)—a disease of the heart muscle—are often subtle and can mimic those of other heart conditions, especially in the early stages.—
Colleen Doherty,
Verywell Health,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The faux ring is reminiscent of a manicure recently sported by Kourtney Kardashian, suggesting this exquisite accent could be on the verge of having a moment.—
Marci Robin,
Allure,
10 Mar. 2026
-
The culinary estate in Austria’s Burgenland is globally praised for its scenery, exquisite dinners and biodynamic wines.—
Laura Ness,
Mercury News,
8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
While continuous glucose monitors are generally considered accurate, the American Diabetes Association said in an email that finger sticks should be available as a backup, particularly if symptoms do not match the monitor’s reading.—
Elizabeth Chuck,
NBC news,
11 Mar. 2026
-
Throwing objects such as tennis balls, water balloons and small rocks at the bear can work, but using a paintball marker or slingshot can be more accurate and deliver more contact warnings in a short period of time, according to DEEP.—
Stephen Underwood,
Hartford Courant,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Palomar College, meanwhile, improved to 16-1 in junior college play.—
Bill Center,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 Mar. 2026
-
Waybourn said jail conditions have improved dramatically since new jail administrator Shannon Herklotz arrived in January because of a more proactive approach to health care.—
Rachel Royster,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
10 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Refined.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refined. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
