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
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of refinement
Both of the new Surface Laptop and Pro models are simply refinements of an existing formula and don’t push the categories forward in meaningful ways.
—
Tom Warren, The Verge, 28 May 2026
This summer, the trend is back with a few refinements.
—Annie Blay-Tettey, Allure, 27 May 2026
Once performance stabilizes in simulation, the behavior is transferred to the physical robot for real-world testing and refinement.
—Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 27 May 2026
Its pieces combine refinement, abundant diamonds, distinctive design and expert craftsmanship.
—Anthony Demarco, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for refinement
Tom Warren, The Verge, 28 May 2026
This summer, the trend is back with a few refinements.
—Annie Blay-Tettey, Allure, 27 May 2026
Once performance stabilizes in simulation, the behavior is transferred to the physical robot for real-world testing and refinement.
—Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 27 May 2026
Its pieces combine refinement, abundant diamonds, distinctive design and expert craftsmanship.
—Anthony Demarco, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for refinement
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refinement
Noun
-
The Aggies went 18-11 in the SEC, a seven-win improvement from Michael Early’s first season as head coach (11-19).—
Mitch Light,
New York Times,
28 May 2026
-
Analysts argued that the risk/reward is attractive heading into next week’s separation of FedEx’s freight unit, and improvements in the legacy parcel delivery business are increasingly visible.—
Jim Cramer,
CNBC,
27 May 2026
Noun
-
But his mysterious and troubling death would come to eclipse his accomplishments as a screen star.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
25 May 2026
-
Village President Vicki Scaman read a proclamation honoring Lehman for his accomplishments before presenting him with the key during a Village Board meeting.—
Cam'ron Hardy,
Chicago Tribune,
23 May 2026
Noun
-
The whole resort has a magical feel to it–something like an imaginative, culturally-rich dreamland for thoughtful travelers who appreciate the elegance and joy of life.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
27 May 2026
-
His pieces appearing in the rooms as well as the public spaces give an unsettling elegance.—
Jamie Timson,
TheWeek,
27 May 2026
Noun
-
Earlier polls had raised Democratic concerns that a crowded field could split the party’s vote and allow Hilton and Bianco, the two leading Republicans, to advance.—
John Woolfolk,
Mercury News,
28 May 2026
-
Advance was known in the industry for a pledge that employees who weren’t in a union would have jobs regardless of economic downturns or technological advances.—
Scott Mayerowitz,
Los Angeles Times,
27 May 2026
Noun
-
To Europeans bred on the idea that clothing an entire body was a marker of civilization, these Alqonquians’ appearance was significant.—
Peter C. Mancall,
The Conversation,
25 May 2026
-
The civilization of love will not arise from a single or spectacular gesture, but from the sum total of small and steadfast acts of fidelity that serve as a bulwark against dehumanization.—
Siladitya Ray,
Forbes.com,
25 May 2026
Noun
-
Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more.—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN Money,
23 May 2026
-
Rebecca Hall, Gael Garcia Bernal, Noomi Rapace, and Beanie Feldstein all star in The End Of It, which follows Claire, a performance artist who, thanks to advancements in medicine, has reached the age of 250.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
22 May 2026
Noun
-
In a culture of resistance to encroachments and violence, Indigenous women and men were among the first North Americans to push back hard against the British Empire.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
26 May 2026
-
For years, Italian coffee culture has inspired Starbucks founder Howard Schultz—and with the launch of Oleato™ beverages, an entirely new coffee ritual is born.—
Condé Nast Traveler,
Condé Nast Traveler,
26 May 2026
Noun
-
The mountains and the energy of the place inject this kind of mystical majesty into the work.—
Shivani Vora,
Forbes.com,
17 May 2026
-
And his demented majesty has no intention of going gentle into that good night.—
Theater Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
13 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Refinement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refinement. Accessed 1 Jun. 2026.
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