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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of refinement
At the turn of the twentieth century, perfumery was widely regarded as a European inheritance—guarded by Paris and Grasse, shaped by centuries of ritual and refinement.
—
Sudhir Gupta, Rolling Stone, 25 Mar. 2026
But his pass rushing needs refinement, and his consistency is lacking.
—Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2026
Subaru enthusiasts may likely look past the vehicle’s main downfall, its subpar range and lack of refinement.
—James Raia, Mercury News, 22 Mar. 2026
For me, Skin Botox works best with Rejuran or a hyaluronic acid booster like Skinvive; the combination of texture refinement and hydration hits differently than either treatment alone.
—Jenny Jin, Allure, 21 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for refinement
Sudhir Gupta, Rolling Stone, 25 Mar. 2026
But his pass rushing needs refinement, and his consistency is lacking.
—Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2026
Subaru enthusiasts may likely look past the vehicle’s main downfall, its subpar range and lack of refinement.
—James Raia, Mercury News, 22 Mar. 2026
For me, Skin Botox works best with Rejuran or a hyaluronic acid booster like Skinvive; the combination of texture refinement and hydration hits differently than either treatment alone.
—Jenny Jin, Allure, 21 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for refinement
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refinement
Noun
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As further improvements are made, platinum-free fuel cells could play a major role in building a cleaner and more affordable energy future.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
26 Mar. 2026
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Strong spring training from bats Spring training isn’t the ultimate prognosticator of success, but the Rangers’ improvement at the plate could be something that carries over into the regular season.—
Lawrence Dow,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
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As at many workplaces, agency assessments can be hyperbolic, reflecting the effusiveness of a supportive boss trying to promote the accomplishments of his team and win his employee a raise.—
David D. Kirkpatrick,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
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One of his proudest accomplishments was creating the FWISD Scholar Athlete Award program.—
Kamal Morgan,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Long before American beauty became synonymous with department stores, celebrity founders and global conglomerates, Hudnut was exporting American elegance internationally.—
Sudhir Gupta,
Rolling Stone,
25 Mar. 2026
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Far from being a nostalgic nod, this trend resurrects the kind of practical elegance that characterized generations past.—
Alex Sales,
Glamour,
25 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Ann Williams, deputy superintendent of operations, said the event was held in advance of a topping-out ceremony, a construction milestone that marks the placement of the final structural steel beam at the top of a building.—
Mike Danahey,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Mar. 2026
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In 2023, Connecticut lawmakers restricted the use of that contract-language lever — it's called a prejudgment remedy waiver — for cash advances under $250,000, like Jane's.—
Alina Selyukh,
NPR,
25 Mar. 2026
Noun
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And yet, at the very same time, Judaism – as a religion, a civilization, and a people – is inseparable from a connection to the Land of Israel.—
Rabbi Tuvia Brander,
Hartford Courant,
30 Mar. 2026
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But the real key here is that, for thousands of years the civilizations have fought over those strategic choke points.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Plus, uncertainty – the biggest domino of them all – had the potential to recede as companies gained greater clarity on the economy, borrowing costs, tariffs and other federal policies, technological advancements, and geopolitical developments.—
Alicia Wallace,
CNN Money,
29 Mar. 2026
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The recent increase in reports may also be linked to advancements in technology and widespread camera use, prompting the question of whether these tools are amplifying the apparent surge.—
Jamie Carter,
Space.com,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
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On the Island of the Gods, fresh ideas arrive like waves, creating a glorious cocktail of cultures and influences.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Mar. 2026
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The reactions go to show how expectations around wedding photography can vary widely across cultures and individuals.—
Claire Dodds,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
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After a busy afternoon visiting with the prime minister of Canada, his majesty jumped behind the decks to try his hand at spinning music at a Kings Trust event in Manchester.—
Tracy Wright,
FOXNews.com,
17 Mar. 2026
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Come for the gothic majesty, stay for Elordi’s stunning and emotive performance as the Creature tries to be human in an inhuman world.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
12 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Refinement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refinement. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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