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
Finally, the team subjected the final selection to another 19 shots in order to gather as much data as possible for future refinements.
—
Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 24 Apr. 2025
This human-machine collaboration involves an extensive back and forth, along with careful editing and refinement, a process that can take weeks.
—Leslie Katz, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
The bespectacled, bookish Bonhoeffer was a man of refinement whose natural reserve could be interpreted as arrogance, says Marsh, the biographer.
—John Blake, CNN Money, 13 Apr. 2025
This has raised concerns about his readiness for the main roster, as while his overall appeal is undeniable, his technical wrestling skills may need further refinement.
—Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for refinement
Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 24 Apr. 2025
This human-machine collaboration involves an extensive back and forth, along with careful editing and refinement, a process that can take weeks.
—Leslie Katz, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
The bespectacled, bookish Bonhoeffer was a man of refinement whose natural reserve could be interpreted as arrogance, says Marsh, the biographer.
—John Blake, CNN Money, 13 Apr. 2025
This has raised concerns about his readiness for the main roster, as while his overall appeal is undeniable, his technical wrestling skills may need further refinement.
—Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for refinement
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refinement
Noun
-
While his selfless running is valuable, a return of five Premier League goals and six assists from 34 league appearances so far suggests there is room for improvement in Szoboszlai’s attacking output — something Slot called out early on.—
Mark Carey,
New York Times,
16 May 2025
-
In years past, life expectancy for people who lived to age 18 showed little improvement.—
Bill Conerly,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2025
Noun
-
Hosmer recalls a sense of accomplishment felt by a city and team alike.—
Sam McDowell,
Kansas City Star,
17 May 2025
-
A lot has happened in the quarter century since, and Aguilera is opening up about it all: fame, the ruthless ’00s tabloids, bucking convention, saying no, and—her proudest accomplishment—motherhood.—
Christopher Rosa,
Glamour,
16 May 2025
Noun
-
Adichie commanded the carpet with elegance and purpose.—
Essence,
Essence,
9 May 2025
-
Designed by renowned architect Robert Gurney, the residence has been hailed for marrying classic East Coast elegance with a clean, modern sensibility.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
9 May 2025
Noun
-
For visitors, understanding this context in advance helps make sense of the powerful stories found in its streets and public spaces.—
David Nikel,
Forbes.com,
4 May 2025
-
Amid all the legal drama, Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds made a decision well in advance.—
Lea Veloso,
StyleCaster,
3 May 2025
Noun
-
And this is one of the reasons why there are some people in the United States who kind of regard Putin as - as - as the savior of - of western civilization, or - or Christianity and so forth, which is obviously kind of a - a perverse view of him as well.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
4 May 2025
-
In a modern civilization, all three—religion, democracy and international good faith—complement and support each other.—
Tom Rogers,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Add to the mix the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and the gap between education and reality may be a gulf.—
Dan Fitzpatrick,
Forbes.com,
12 May 2025
-
Welcome to Fox News’ Artificial Intelligence newsletter with the latest AI technology advancements.—
Staff,
FOXNews.com,
10 May 2025
Noun
-
This iconic sneaker receives a distinctly feminine twist through its intricate embellishments, symbolizing Jordan Brand’s 40-year journey—from its foundation in sport to its elevated place in culture.—
Essence,
Essence,
16 May 2025
-
Here’s a ranking of every 2025 schedule release video, which includes pop culture puns, tattoos and too many video game references.—
Jayna Bardahl,
New York Times,
16 May 2025
Noun
-
What’s most important is to take it all in: the place, its majesty and its importance.—
Caroline Eubanks,
Chicago Tribune,
23 Apr. 2025
-
Her majesty, the queen, is here.—
Jack Howland,
Kansas City Star,
21 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Refinement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refinement. Accessed 21 May. 2025.
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