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
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Recent Examples of refinement
After seasons dominated by oversize proportions, there is a growing desire for precision, balance and refinement.
—
Luisa Zargani,
Footwear News,
23 June 2026
Plans now call for further refinements to be made to the wheels, to enhance their performance on mixed terrain.
—
New Atlas,
22 June 2026
At roughly a quarter of that price, the ProtoArc doesn't need to compete on refinement.
—
Sascha Brodsky,
PC Magazine,
21 June 2026
His LinkedIn profile currently lists his most recent title as vice president of booster engineering—a refinement that narrows his scope to Starship’s first-stage Super Heavy booster, the most complex and powerful rocket booster ever constructed.
—
Lily Mae Lazarus,
Fortune,
20 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for refinement
Luisa Zargani,
Footwear News,
23 June 2026
Plans now call for further refinements to be made to the wheels, to enhance their performance on mixed terrain.
—
New Atlas,
22 June 2026
At roughly a quarter of that price, the ProtoArc doesn't need to compete on refinement.
—
Sascha Brodsky,
PC Magazine,
21 June 2026
His LinkedIn profile currently lists his most recent title as vice president of booster engineering—a refinement that narrows his scope to Starship’s first-stage Super Heavy booster, the most complex and powerful rocket booster ever constructed.
—
Lily Mae Lazarus,
Fortune,
20 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for refinement
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refinement
Noun
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There are approximately 3,800 public highway/rail crossings in Missouri, but state funding only allows for improvements to around 30 to 35 crossings per year, according to the Missouri Department of Transportation’s (MODOT) Office of Multimodal Operations, which oversees rail services in the state.
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Also, the current budget for the park is $905,000, all of which will go toward park improvements such as playgrounds, trails and more.
Noun
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Simmons also founded Corridor Gallery in his Brooklyn loft apartment, to name just a few of his creative initiatives and long list of accomplishments.
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Music moguls like Jimmy Iovine, Lucian Grange, Sean Combs, Richard Branson, David Geffen and Doug Morris were among the revelers each year, with a top industry figure singled out for their yearly accomplishments.
Noun
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What emerged was a wardrobe that balanced sensuality, ease and elegance.
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There’s a certain elegance and sophistication to rooftop bars and restaurants captured in the American imagination.
Noun
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But compared to devastating events that arrive suddenly with little notice, scientists know well in advance that El Niño is coming.
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Powell said China has such operations lined up and planned well in advance and waits for such triggering events.
Noun
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The laws protecting cultural and religious sites exist because civilization has long recognized that some places transcend politics and borders.
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Nearby Honeymoon Island and Caladesi Island State Park (accessible by bridge and boat, respectively) offer the feel of being miles away from civilization while still being close enough to grab dinner out in Dunedin.
Noun
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The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has witnessed more than a century of American history, in all its heartbreak and majesty.
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Ultimately, though, no words can truly do justice to the majesty of their play.
Noun
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The ratings draw on data from millions of actual workers, in postings on LinkedIn, Indeed and other sites that illustrate patterns in pay, retention and advancement.
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Here is a list of the inventions and innovations, business advancements and manufacturing achievements our state pioneered in the past 250 years.
Noun
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With stages stretching from Freedom Corner to the Point and crowds growing every year, Pittsburgh’s Juneteenth celebration has evolved into a centerpiece of the city’s summer calendar and a living testament to Black culture, commerce and community pride downtown.
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Teacher Pritul Patel said the school's culture embraces students' differences rather than treating them as obstacles.
Cite this Entry
“Refinement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refinement. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.
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