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
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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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of refinement
Bedding Egyptian Cotton Sateen Sheets Read more $98 $89
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A close cousin to percale and silk, the best sateen sheets offer a happy medium of refinement and softness, all in one durability, and an easy-to-clean fabric.
—
Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 13 June 2025
These initial random results necessitated months of refinement and only ran for a few hours in total.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 12 June 2025
The real world is frighteningly complex, and physicists like to start with this simplest approximation to the problem to make headway, and then add refinements as needed.
—Paul M. Sutter, Discover Magazine, 6 June 2025
The base spirit undergoes three distillation cycles to achieve purity and refinement.
—Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for refinement
Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 13 June 2025
These initial random results necessitated months of refinement and only ran for a few hours in total.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 12 June 2025
The real world is frighteningly complex, and physicists like to start with this simplest approximation to the problem to make headway, and then add refinements as needed.
—Paul M. Sutter, Discover Magazine, 6 June 2025
The base spirit undergoes three distillation cycles to achieve purity and refinement.
—Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for refinement
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refinement
Noun
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For decades, there's been a steady year over year decline globally in the number of deaths of children under the age of five due to improvements in public health and reductions in poverty.—
Ari Daniel,
NPR,
1 July 2025
-
Additional improvements in Mexico's animal movement controls and surveillance efforts remain critical for remaining ports to reopen as scheduled.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 July 2025
Noun
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More precisely, the guest list was a delicate trigonometric reflection of the couple’s affections with a very strong quotient of the regard in which the business accomplishments of the groom are held.—
Guy Martin,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
-
The accomplishment follows a recent winning streak for the 28-year-old company, which has spent the last decade expanding outside its home bases in Louisiana and Texas.—
Amelia Lucas,
CNBC,
30 June 2025
Noun
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Designed to pay homage, the scent is inspired by Granado’s history and the mysterious, welcoming atmosphere of traditional apothecaries and reviving century-old legacy with intensity, elegance and freshness.—
Fairchild Studio,
Footwear News,
27 June 2025
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With films like 2024’s Challengers and internet trends that promise hashtag-Old Money, everyday people are picking up a racquet in the hopes of dialing into the elegance that tennis has come to signify over the years.—
Brett F. Braley-Palko,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2025
Noun
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Leaders who want to use two-way conversations as a way to catalyze growth and change within their organizations should game-plan important, strategic questions in advance. Use technology as a conversation superpower.—
Jonas Barck,
Forbes.com,
24 June 2025
-
Boylan was followed by a number of other women who publicly shared similar stories of a governor who made inappropriate remarks and unwanted advances.—
Sudiksha Kochi,
USA Today,
24 June 2025
Noun
-
But new life and civilizations await, including a villain that will test our characters' grit and resolve.—
Jeff Spry,
Space.com,
26 June 2025
-
However, several civilizations thrived in South America before the Inca left their mark.—
Jenny Lehmann,
Discover Magazine,
25 June 2025
Noun
-
The research could lead to advancements in formulating pharmaceuticals, among other applications.—
Robert Z. Pearlman,
Space.com,
28 June 2025
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The rapid advancement of AI is reshaping industries, redefining job roles, and making adaptability more critical than ever.—
Robert E. Siegel,
CNBC,
26 June 2025
Noun
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The Breakfast issues come weeks after the BBC published the findings of a workplace culture inquiry by Change Associates.—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
1 July 2025
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Gemini: Modern cowgirl Fun, flirty, and full of personality, Gemini is the perfect sign to rock the playful Western look that’s currently taking over pop culture.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 July 2025
Noun
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While some of these women have officially earned their crowns in the Disney princess canon, other heroines like Elsa from Frozen (2013) and Mirabel from Encanto (2021) have essentially become honorary majesties.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
23 June 2025
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And despite his passing, his musical and cultural significance is guaranteed to continue, with the consistency and majesty of waves rolling across the sea.—
Michael Peregrine,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Refinement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refinement. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.
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