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
It may be masked by his refinement, hidden behind his boyish Christmas-morning smile.
—
Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2026
The 2026 Mazda3 Hatchback is, above all, a refinement.
—New Atlas, 7 Feb. 2026
Sepulveda rail transit project advances Although far from being fully realized, the Sepulveda Transit Corridor Project made a key advancement in January, setting in motion further refinement of its design and addressing costs for the project.
—Paris Barraza, USA Today, 6 Feb. 2026
Referencing the Korean moon jar, a monumental lily and an aerodynamic automotive prototype, the collection traced a progression from origin to transformation to forward motion, proposing innovation as refinement rather than rupture.
—Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for refinement
Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2026
The 2026 Mazda3 Hatchback is, above all, a refinement.
—New Atlas, 7 Feb. 2026
Sepulveda rail transit project advances Although far from being fully realized, the Sepulveda Transit Corridor Project made a key advancement in January, setting in motion further refinement of its design and addressing costs for the project.
—Paris Barraza, USA Today, 6 Feb. 2026
Referencing the Korean moon jar, a monumental lily and an aerodynamic automotive prototype, the collection traced a progression from origin to transformation to forward motion, proposing innovation as refinement rather than rupture.
—Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for refinement
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refinement
Noun
-
Look for ways to make improvements in your immediate surroundings and even your appearance.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Additional improvements include new landscaping, pedestrian and bike paths connecting E and H Streets to the existing Bayside Park, picnic tables, benches, shade structures and trees.—
Jennifer Van Grove,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
These unheralded accomplishments reflect why Robert Isom was picked as the successor to his legendary predecessor, Doug Parker, in the first place.—
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld,
Fortune,
16 Feb. 2026
-
Trained as an attorney, Levine is very proud of his accomplishments, launching his FM station when FM was not doing well.—
Richard Wagoner,
Daily News,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Merging nature with elegance, Van views fashion as an architecture of the body and immerses her work in Southeast artisanal traditions, with garments that shape silhouettes and the wearer’s emotions.—
Fairchild Studio,
Footwear News,
18 Feb. 2026
-
In the early 2000s the property was restored by the La Sultana hotel group, in partnership with the Department of Historic Monuments, who employed expert master craftsmen to bring the riads back to their former elegance using centuries-old methods.—
Harriet Elton,
Condé Nast Traveler,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The comment was notable because presumably Clark wouldn’t have advance knowledge of a forthcoming legal action.—
Dakota Smith,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
-
To participate in the run, residents sign up in advance and pay a fee to assist with transportation and organization of stops on the run.—
Carlie Procell,
USA Today,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Ancient Egyptians cultivated white lupin (Lupinus albus), while pre-Incan civilizations developed different species (Lupinus mutabilis) in the region now called Peru.—
Randi Gollin,
Martha Stewart,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Macau, China At the crossroads of a number of different civilizations, Macau is today a small enclave of China with—like nearby Hong Kong—a unique status as a special administrative region.—
Annabelle Dufraigne,
Architectural Digest,
15 Feb. 2026
Noun
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But the bill’s advancement was not cause for celebration among the food security advocates who have been calling for state funds to cover the cost of school meal copays for years.—
Matthew Kelly,
Kansas City Star,
15 Feb. 2026
-
After reporting Rotter, Walker said he was subjected to racial harassment and a hostile working environment, including being denied overtime, training and advancement opportunities, according to court filings.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The Wakefield twins’ sagas had crossed eras, borders and cultures — again.—
Faith Karimi,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
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Bacon said Target marks the point where culture, consumer behavior and brand maturity converge.—
Ryma Chikhoune,
Footwear News,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Beyond the scale and majesty of meals in the main dining room, Mohonk understands the power of the treat, turning snack time into another chance to offer more to the experience.—
Katie Mathews,
Condé Nast Traveler,
17 Feb. 2026
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Now, that’s not actually where the band first performed the song live, but then there are no music venues more photogenic than Red Rocks, its visual majesty showcased via sweeping drone shots.—
Frank Scheck,
HollywoodReporter,
16 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Refinement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refinement. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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