1
as in improvement
an instance of notable progress in the development of knowledge, technology, or skill
the recent refinements in this area of medical technology
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in accomplishment
a high level of taste and enlightenment as a result of extensive intellectual training and exposure to the arts
had a sense of refinement that her small hometown couldn't satisfy, so she moved to New York City to be closer to great museums and concert halls
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in elegance
dignified or restrained beauty of form, appearance, or style
although she can afford all the jewelry that money can buy, she dresses with the gentle refinement that only taste can bestow
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 refinement
Not very agricultural Ironically, that extra refinement makes the Solterra feel less like a true Subaru, at least to me.
—
Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 4 June 2026
His edges going backwards can be a little sloppy, but with some refinement and good coaching, there could be something there.
—Scott Wheeler, New York Times, 3 June 2026
That said, the Tesla Model Y continues to set the benchmark in this segment with its superior technology, performance and overall refinement.
—ABC News, 3 June 2026
Made from 100% Brazilian cotton and garment-washed for lived-in softness, Matteo's Riviera delivers understated refinement that lasts.
—Jasmine Desiree, Architectural Digest, 3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for refinement
Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 4 June 2026
His edges going backwards can be a little sloppy, but with some refinement and good coaching, there could be something there.
—Scott Wheeler, New York Times, 3 June 2026
That said, the Tesla Model Y continues to set the benchmark in this segment with its superior technology, performance and overall refinement.
—ABC News, 3 June 2026
Made from 100% Brazilian cotton and garment-washed for lived-in softness, Matteo's Riviera delivers understated refinement that lasts.
—Jasmine Desiree, Architectural Digest, 3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for refinement
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refinement
Noun
-
Mendoza, an incumbent council member and former Los Angeles Mission College employee, campaigned on public safety, economic development and infrastructure improvements, pointing to efforts to attract new investment and strengthen city finances.—
Teresa Liu,
Daily News,
3 June 2026
-
Mohiuddin’s appeal challenges 19 of the 33 conditions of approval, including annual compliance reviews, restrictions on the use of the Farley Road facility, attendance caps and capital improvement conditions for parking expansion, landscaping and screening.—
Nollyanne Delacruz,
Mercury News,
3 June 2026
Noun
-
The whole world relied on our labor, but none of us felt any sense of accomplishment.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
8 June 2026
-
Out June 9 from Zondervan, Designed to Succeed re-examines what accomplishment can look like.—
Carly Tagen-Dye,
PEOPLE,
8 June 2026
Noun
-
Spacious rooms and suites are among some of the largest in the city and reflect the elegance, refinement, and comfort long associated with Waldorf Astoria Hotels and Resorts.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
4 June 2026
-
Here are nine couches for small spaces that channel elegance without stuffiness.—
Yelena Moroz Alpert,
Architectural Digest,
4 June 2026
Noun
-
The culinary experiences were highlights of the stay and absolutely worth reserving in advance, whether that’s for dinner at PUR’ or for the hotel’s recent addition of afternoon tea time, built around cookies.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
4 June 2026
-
Check tour lengths in advance and look at what else is on the property — many distilleries sit on historic estates worth wandering for the scenery alone.—
Lauren Schuster,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
3 June 2026
Noun
-
Historians believe ancient civilizations in Mesopotamia were cultivating dates as early as 6,000 to 8,000 years ago.—
Teresa Mull,
FOXNews.com,
8 June 2026
-
This study touches a pivotal moment in human history, if not the dawn of civilization, technology.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
6 June 2026
Noun
-
But that was before the digital era; before AI really became an advancement.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA Today,
7 June 2026
-
Startups in China have the advantage of massive state support, in line with the ruling Communist Party’s 2026-2030 five-year plan targeting the frontiers of technology, including advancements of humanoid robots.—
Chan Ho-Him,
Fortune,
6 June 2026
Noun
-
On Sunday, Boulder held its annual Jewish Festival, which is a celebration of culture, heritage and religion.—
Christa Swanson,
CBS News,
8 June 2026
-
According to a National Family Health Survey, approximately 18% of people in Mumbai reported being vegetarian, which has shaped a street food culture built around plants, legumes and dairy.—
Lauren Schuster,
Kansas City Star,
8 June 2026
Noun
-
The team leapt to a 2-0 lead early in the first half thanks to the majesty and refreshing return-to-form of Christian Pulisic, who assisted on the first goal and finished off the second.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
1 June 2026
-
There are acid critiques of settler colonialism alongside tributes to the majesty of the American landscape, sober revisitations of enslavement alongside hopeful pleas for liberation, bitter denouncements of intervention in wars abroad alongside quaint homages to homespun Americanness.—
Alex Greenberger,
ARTnews.com,
28 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Refinement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refinement. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
