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
Think buckled, flat, or stacked heeled variations that blend functionality with refinement–perfect for the city commuter or a jaunty to the countryside.
—
Minty Mellon, Vogue, 9 Oct. 2025
In addition to the new case size and refinements to its designs for a smoother silhouette, the Calibre E5 also makes strides in terms of tactile experience and battery life.
—Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2025
Meta’s model leaked just two years ago and seeded an ecosystem of imitations and refinements that moved faster than any licensing system.
—MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025
But Sézalory says a good belt helps define the silhouette and adds refinement, like a piece of jewelry.
—Kelsey Glennon, Travel + Leisure, 4 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for refinement
Minty Mellon, Vogue, 9 Oct. 2025
In addition to the new case size and refinements to its designs for a smoother silhouette, the Calibre E5 also makes strides in terms of tactile experience and battery life.
—Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2025
Meta’s model leaked just two years ago and seeded an ecosystem of imitations and refinements that moved faster than any licensing system.
—MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025
But Sézalory says a good belt helps define the silhouette and adds refinement, like a piece of jewelry.
—Kelsey Glennon, Travel + Leisure, 4 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for refinement
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refinement
Noun
-
Anything that is imperfect has room for improvement.—
Steve Fryer,
Oc Register,
17 Oct. 2025
-
Bonds ask for a specific dollar amount and can be used for capital expenditures such as new schools and facility buildings, technology infrastructure, safety improvements, school buses and equipment.—
Erick Trevino,
AZCentral.com,
17 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
For director and producer Robert Eric Wise, the goal of the documentary was to introduce more young people to the work and accomplishments of pivotal Black Fort Worth residents.—
Ciara McCarthy,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
12 Oct. 2025
-
The band's extensive visits to the city − and an atypically long absence from the market, six years − likely contributed to that accomplishment.—
Piet Levy,
jsonline.com,
12 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
There was such a sense of dignity to the four-poster bed, such elegance.—
Julia Harrison,
Architectural Digest,
15 Oct. 2025
-
Fast-forward to the 20th century, and moccasins have become a popular casual shoe, combining the sleek elegance of a penny loafer with the secure lacing of a boat shoe—and the comfort level of Ugg boots.—
Kelsey Stewart,
Glamour,
15 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The findings mark a crucial advance in understanding how human life begins, and how it might be repaired.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
14 Oct. 2025
-
Wingtech is already on a US blacklist amid broader pressure aimed at curbing Beijing’s tech advances.—
J.D. Capelouto,
semafor.com,
13 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Signs of bacteria from the Clostridiaceae family had previously been found in other mummies from ancient Andean civilizations, linking the individual to a larger cultural context.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
11 Oct. 2025
-
Euphoria blends ancient Greek and Chinese therapies, as these two great civilizations developed similar well-being philosophies that emphasize inner peace, unity, and holistic balance.—
Janine Di Giovanni,
Travel + Leisure,
11 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
By tackling landfill methane—one of the largest contributors to global warming—the technology represents a significant advancement in reducing emissions and promoting a circular, low-carbon energy future.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
11 Oct. 2025
-
The federal determination highlights how permitting males to compete on female teams displaces female athletes from podiums, denies them advancement opportunities, and diminishes their visibility and recognition in competitions.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
11 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The films are expected to intersect to capture the band’s improbable journey from Liverpool to the center of global culture, leading to their 1970 breakup.—
Rebecca Rubin,
Variety,
14 Oct. 2025
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In the first episode of CW's TV We Love, a multipart series celebrating eight of the most iconic American television shows and their lasting impact on audiences and culture, experts discuss the beautiful relationship between the couple.—
Angela Andaloro,
PEOPLE,
14 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
That doesn’t mean there isn’t pop majesty here too.—
Jon Dolan,
Rolling Stone,
17 Oct. 2025
-
Cypress captures the majesty of the tall evergreen, enriched with lush green undertones for depth.—
Michael Stefanov,
Robb Report,
14 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Refinement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refinement. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.
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