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
Schoen proposed refinements to the program for working women that would center on workshops on overcoming barriers.
—
Terri Daxon, Oc Register, 26 June 2025
In that case, the path to more robust reasoning capabilities may require fundamentally different approaches rather than refinements to current methods.
—ArsTechnica, 11 June 2025
If your priority is peaceful refinement, these Genesis sedans are quietly persuasive contenders.
—New Atlas, 22 June 2025
The undrafted, 6-8 Jones had enough juice to uncork 27 dunks in 308 minutes but otherwise didn’t show enough refinement as an offensive player or enough impact as a defender to warrant rostering.
42.
—John Hollinger, New York Times, 21 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for refinement
Terri Daxon, Oc Register, 26 June 2025
In that case, the path to more robust reasoning capabilities may require fundamentally different approaches rather than refinements to current methods.
—ArsTechnica, 11 June 2025
If your priority is peaceful refinement, these Genesis sedans are quietly persuasive contenders.
—New Atlas, 22 June 2025
The undrafted, 6-8 Jones had enough juice to uncork 27 dunks in 308 minutes but otherwise didn’t show enough refinement as an offensive player or enough impact as a defender to warrant rostering.
42.
—John Hollinger, New York Times, 21 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for refinement
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refinement
Noun
-
For the Pacers, the next step is bringing those improvements from the summer league floor to the NBA court.—
Tony East,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
-
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
Noun
-
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
-
The second work gives her a chance to show off her flawless double stops, played with elegance.—
Sheila Regan,
Twin Cities,
11 July 2025
-
Historical Mystery Show: Step into a world of Victorian elegance and deadly secrets when DeBary Hall Historic Site partners with Gateway Center for the Arts to present a Historical Mystery Show.—
Joe Rassel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
10 July 2025
Noun
-
Looking Ahead: Thinking about this in advance is a wonderful idea and a beautiful sentiment.—
R Eric Thomas,
Baltimore Sun,
6 July 2025
-
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued timely forecasts and warnings in advance of Friday's catastrophic flooding in central Texas, but long-standing staffing concerns—including unfilled leadership positions—remained a source of unease among weather professionals.—
Peter Aitken,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 July 2025
Noun
-
Now, season three is raising the stakes by bringing in the most relatable thing the show has done — the threat of the total collapse of civilization.—
Rafael Motamayor,
Vulture,
11 July 2025
-
Caracol dates back to 900 B.C., according to the Caracol Archaeological Project, and lasted centuries until the collapse of the Maya civilization in A.D. 800-900.—
Kerry Breen
July 10,
CBS News,
10 July 2025
Noun
-
Create clear pathways for advancement via micro-credentials.—
Scott White,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
-
With recent advancements in smart home technologies, a rediscovery of traditional craftsmanship, and a rekindling of national pride, Chinese industry leaders said the number of luxury domestic furniture brands is expected to rise in the near term.—
Sofia Celeste,
Footwear News,
10 July 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 18 Jul. 2025.
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