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
The current district budget projections require refinement.
—
Alec Johnson, jsonline.com, 26 Jan. 2026
The Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade have been refreshed for 2026 and have in my mind added more refinement.
—John Paul Senior Manager Public Affairs and Traffic Safety Aaa Northeast, Hartford Courant, 24 Jan. 2026
This particular version has more horsepower, more refinement, more engineering upgrades -- even a heated front seat belt.
—Morgan Korn, ABC News, 19 Jan. 2026
This simple, stylized expression of refinement also shines through on the Admiral Giorgio Armani 72M build named No Rush, the first of two custom 236-foot yachts conceived by the designer himself in partnership with the Italian Sea Group.
—Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 18 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for refinement
Alec Johnson, jsonline.com, 26 Jan. 2026
The Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade have been refreshed for 2026 and have in my mind added more refinement.
—John Paul Senior Manager Public Affairs and Traffic Safety Aaa Northeast, Hartford Courant, 24 Jan. 2026
This particular version has more horsepower, more refinement, more engineering upgrades -- even a heated front seat belt.
—Morgan Korn, ABC News, 19 Jan. 2026
This simple, stylized expression of refinement also shines through on the Admiral Giorgio Armani 72M build named No Rush, the first of two custom 236-foot yachts conceived by the designer himself in partnership with the Italian Sea Group.
—Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 18 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for refinement
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refinement
Noun
-
Rethinking Brain Training—and Leadership Pickard also challenges common assumptions about cognitive improvement.—
Rodger Dean Duncan,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Home Depot’s sales have been weaker than expected, as the retail giant waits for housing turnover and significant home improvement spending to pick up again after a boom in demand during the Covid pandemic.—
Melissa Repko,
CNBC,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
KidsFest activities will return for Sundays at Petco Park, with select Sundays throughout the home schedule dedicated to saluting different military branches, accomplishments and history.—
Jeff Sanders,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Jan. 2026
-
While heading to a Pro Bowl is always a great accomplishment, Sanders knows nothing is solidified for his role in 2026.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
26 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Oberoi is launching two luxury Nile dahabeyas, which revive the elegance of 1920s river travel, offering an intimate way to experience Egypt’s most storied landscapes along the Nile.—
Laura Begley Bloom,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
-
The Tyrolean-style on-mountain lodge, Utah’s first five-star property as of 1982, still smacks of old-world elegance.—
Amy Tara Koch,
Robb Report,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
In a departure from past practice, some competitions, notably curling and ice hockey, will begin preliminary rounds on February 4 and 5, in advance of the official opening ceremony, due to the tight schedule.—
Sam Leveridge,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Archaeological finds involving ancient diseases are uncommon, but advances in DNA analysis have led to significant discoveries.—
Andrea Margolis,
FOXNews.com,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
From a civilization that is dying to one that is being born.—
Vibhas Ratanjee,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
-
This far removed from civilization, however, the balance of power flips, and the resourceful housekeeper takes control.—
Peter Debruge,
Variety,
26 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
From initial hype to tangible industrial momentum, the 2025 China Apparel Industry AI Technology Application Summit emerged as a key battleground where fashion companies demonstrated their technological advancements.—
Li Jun,
Footwear News,
11 Jan. 2026
-
Several new advancement opportunities for students Seventh and eighth grade students now have the opportunity to earn high school credits.—
Hope Moses,
Chicago Tribune,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
This kind of alignment is reinforced when leaders hire teams who share values, create a culture of communication and focus on building long-term credibility.—
Serenity Gibbons,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
-
At this time, applications for projects in the business incentives category and arts, culture and activation category are temporarily on hold, according to the DDA website.—
Jessica Alvarado Gamez,
Denver Post,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
When trained on a star cluster, binoculars help reveal the true majesty of these sparkling stellar hives, bringing many dimmer stars into view.—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
28 Jan. 2026
-
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,
22 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Refinement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refinement. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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