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
Tailored blazers, silk scarves, and feminine detailing softened her silhouette, signaling an era of respect and refinement.
—
Karissa Mitchell, Essence, 2 July 2025
And even for complex coding projects like the ones studied, the researchers are also optimistic that further refinement of AI tools could lead to future efficiency gains for programmers.
—ArsTechnica, 14 July 2025
The collection is designed with Hot Wheels fans in mind, yet also features a distinct air of refinement.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 14 July 2025
After nearly three years of discussion and refinement, plans have been submitted to the city of San Diego for a pair of monument signs to mark La Jolla’s Bird Rock area.
—Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for refinement
Karissa Mitchell, Essence, 2 July 2025
And even for complex coding projects like the ones studied, the researchers are also optimistic that further refinement of AI tools could lead to future efficiency gains for programmers.
—ArsTechnica, 14 July 2025
The collection is designed with Hot Wheels fans in mind, yet also features a distinct air of refinement.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 14 July 2025
After nearly three years of discussion and refinement, plans have been submitted to the city of San Diego for a pair of monument signs to mark La Jolla’s Bird Rock area.
—Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for refinement
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refinement
Noun
-
Both organizations emphasized improvements made to welfare systems and reporting procedures since 2016, when Endemol merged with Shine, and again in 2020 when Banijay acquired Endemol Shine.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
14 July 2025
-
Gale’s progressive social agenda gets wrapped in folksy, regionalist humor, as the Friendship Married Ladies Cemetery Improvement Sodality try to bring modern improvements to their village.—
Deborah Williams
July 14,
Literary Hub,
14 July 2025
Noun
-
The tennis community has rallied around Townsend’s achievement, with fellow stars like Coco Gauff, Madison Keys, and Ben Shelton publicly celebrating her accomplishment.—
Kimberly Wilson,
Essence,
29 July 2025
-
The Impact of Excessive Competitiveness While a little bit of competition can be healthy for kids, Dr. Lee says too much can create chronic stress that can lead to burnout, de-prioritizing collaboration, and even lying about their accomplishments.—
Sherri Gordon,
Parents,
28 July 2025
Noun
-
Just barefoot elegance, ocean breezes, and the luxury of time standing still.—
South Seas Island Resort,
Miami Herald,
1 Aug. 2025
-
Here's how to capture that effortless Italian elegance through thoughtful styling choices.—
Pooja Shah,
Forbes.com,
31 July 2025
Noun
-
Among the countless advances attributed to NIH funding, researchers credit it for the 30-percent decline in US cancer deaths since 1990.—
Beth Mole,
ArsTechnica,
30 July 2025
-
Reforms like Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution and Zero-Base Budgeting demanded that all federal agencies and initiatives define outcomes in advance and justify expenses with quantifiable projections.—
Time,
Time,
30 July 2025
Noun
-
Ant Farm’s proposition was critical of human civilization at a level that forced people to question everything.—
Jonathon Keats,
Forbes.com,
4 Aug. 2025
-
One hundred miles ago, oil wells stood as signs of civilization; they’re long gone.—
Michael Verdon,
Robb Report,
3 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Institutions like Delaware State University, Bethune-Cookman University, Jackson State University and many others were born from this mandate, and have since become pillars of educational opportunity and community advancement.—
Leadership Brainery,
Forbes.com,
4 Aug. 2025
-
This year’s federal funding cuts are severely impacting STEM research and education, threatening the future of innovation and our nation’s health and technological advancement.—
Lisa Eyler,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Combining the family’s love for Greek culture, nature and food, with their passion for yoga and mindfulness, Kea Retreat offers travelers the option to book a five or six-night retreat or simply indulge in a relaxing and restorative hotel stay.—
Monica Mendal,
Vogue,
15 July 2025
-
Italy is renowned for its sophisticated style and taste, which permeate various aspects of its culture, including fashion, food, wine, and automobiles.—
Irene S. Levine,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
Noun
-
More admired than beloved, the show has extended an open challenge to theater artists drawn to the sophisticated majesty of Brown’s Tony-winning score but daunted by the expansive scope of Uhry’s Tony-winning book.—
Charles McNulty,
Los Angeles Times,
20 June 2025
-
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
Cite this Entry
“Refinement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refinement. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.
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