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
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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
Revisions are statistical refinements equaling a minuscule slice of the overall job market.
—
Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 5 Aug. 2025
That’s more on the refinement and development size.
—Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 24 July 2025
Or will other refinements have to come to his skill set?
—Tony East, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2025
The 50 Sub and 80 Sub are being replaced with a 64-inch beast and a 100-inch behemoth – both coming with a host of refinements designed to deliver impactful ultra-low rumble.
—New Atlas, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for refinement
Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 5 Aug. 2025
That’s more on the refinement and development size.
—Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 24 July 2025
Or will other refinements have to come to his skill set?
—Tony East, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2025
The 50 Sub and 80 Sub are being replaced with a 64-inch beast and a 100-inch behemoth – both coming with a host of refinements designed to deliver impactful ultra-low rumble.
—New Atlas, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for refinement
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refinement
Noun
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Where most of us see a wonderfully unique and charming home with room for improvement, Petitti sees an archaic structure in desperate need of a refresh.—
Stewart Mandel,
New York Times,
20 Aug. 2025
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In one example, adding basic ergonomic improvements in trauma call rooms led to measurable improvements in resident focus and well-being.—
Paula Ferrada,
Forbes.com,
20 Aug. 2025
Noun
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These accomplishments included flying three consecutive times halfway around the world before splashing down as planned in the Indian Ocean, and, in October, the first of three successful returns of the Super Heavy rocket booster to the launch pad.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
20 Aug. 2025
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Most of these accomplishments fill the young GM with pride, but the lack of playoff victories is not lost on him, either.—
Alec Lewis,
New York Times,
20 Aug. 2025
Noun
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While the episode follows Deborah after walking away from her Late Night series, the backdrop and elegance of Singapore follows both characters as Deborah attempts to do standup in a Singapore casino using a translator.—
Leia Mendoza,
Variety,
14 Aug. 2025
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A touch of flaky sea salt brings effortless elegance and flair.—
Catherine Jessee,
Southern Living,
13 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Tater tot casserole To make this casserole in advance, assemble the beef filling as instructed, but do not top with the tater tots.—
Robin Miller,
AZCentral.com,
23 Aug. 2025
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The situations where DAPTs will be effective is probably much smaller than even most DAPT planners think and cannot be predicted in advance.—
Jay Adkisson,
Forbes.com,
23 Aug. 2025
Noun
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While classical civilizations like Greece and Rome left behind cathedrals of stone, ancient India left behind cathedrals of thought.—
Vibhas Ratanjee,
Forbes.com,
15 Aug. 2025
-
How lonely, to be so close to civilization and yet so far.—
Emma Sloley
August 14,
Literary Hub,
14 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
In a market grappling with shrinking margins and mounting energy scrutiny, the launch underscores that the sector’s next significant advancements may be forged in the open.—
Becca Bratcher,
Forbes.com,
16 Aug. 2025
-
Seema gave thanks for the advancements made in gluten free baked goods, showing a strong willingness to adjust her expectations for pies and relationships in equal measure.—
Sandra Gonzalez,
CNN Money,
15 Aug. 2025
Noun
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The property is being redeveloped to host Latin community-friendly rodeos and welcome youth from the Nashville suburbs with an interest in being involved in rodeo culture.—
Marcus K. Dowling,
The Tennessean,
21 Aug. 2025
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In a business culture that rewards certainty, coaching welcomes not knowing.—
Angela Cusack,
Forbes.com,
20 Aug. 2025
Noun
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As totality transforms the Arctic sky, you'll be positioned in some of Earth's most spectacular and remote landscapes—from the dramatic mountains of Spitsbergen to the world's largest fjord system at Scoresby Sound, and the volcanic majesty of Jan Mayen Island.—
Rebecca Ann Hughes,
Forbes.com,
2 Aug. 2025
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More admired than beloved, the show has extended an open challenge to theater artists drawn to the sophisticated majesty of Brown’s Tony-winning score but daunted by the expansive scope of Uhry’s Tony-winning book.—
Charles McNulty,
Los Angeles Times,
20 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Refinement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refinement. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.
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