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
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
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A close cousin to percale and silk, the best sateen sheets offer a happy medium of refinement and softness, all in one durability, and an easy-to-clean fabric.
—
Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 13 June 2025
These initial random results necessitated months of refinement and only ran for a few hours in total.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 12 June 2025
The real world is frighteningly complex, and physicists like to start with this simplest approximation to the problem to make headway, and then add refinements as needed.
—Paul M. Sutter, Discover Magazine, 6 June 2025
The base spirit undergoes three distillation cycles to achieve purity and refinement.
—Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for refinement
Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 13 June 2025
These initial random results necessitated months of refinement and only ran for a few hours in total.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 12 June 2025
The real world is frighteningly complex, and physicists like to start with this simplest approximation to the problem to make headway, and then add refinements as needed.
—Paul M. Sutter, Discover Magazine, 6 June 2025
The base spirit undergoes three distillation cycles to achieve purity and refinement.
—Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for refinement
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refinement
Noun
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Spending at building material and garden supply stores also saw big drops, suggesting less residential investment in home improvements.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
21 June 2025
-
Some of these teams will succeed in navigating this seller’s market and making significant improvements, likely at considerable cost.—
Arpon Basu,
New York Times,
21 June 2025
Noun
-
Carter led the Big 10 conference with that accomplishment.—
Justin Grasso,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 June 2025
-
Advertisement Advertisement Despite all of these accolades and accomplishments, Nelson has a grander vision for himself.—
Rachel Brodsky,
Time,
20 June 2025
Noun
-
Tennis is a proper sport but, compared to others, is a bearer of elegance and tradition, which are values resonating also with our brand.—
Sandra Salibian,
Footwear News,
16 June 2025
-
The tufted back and seat cushions add a touch of elegance, while the faux leather upholstery ensures durability and easy maintenance.—
Jené Luciani Sena
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
14 June 2025
Noun
-
Franchises are then asked to declare any potential changes 18 months in advance.—
Jacob Feldman,
Sportico.com,
24 June 2025
-
Parking is limited and must be purchased in advance online for $10 at cityofsanteeca.gov/calendar/events/santee-salutes/45842.—
Linda Mcintosh,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 June 2025
Noun
-
The purpose of seeking a humanities education is to learn the great texts and ideas that have stirred the soul of civilization since antiquity.—
Isabella Brannon,
FOXNews.com,
18 June 2025
-
Thus, Tolstoy began to question the very foundations of Russian society, a path of inquiry that led him ultimately to criticize the very basis of civilization as commonly understood.—
Ben Woollard,
JSTOR Daily,
18 June 2025
Noun
-
Courtesy of PublicAffairs This is just one of the differences that comes up for women seeking allies to support their career advancement.—
Nina Ajemian,
Fortune,
17 June 2025
-
The sooner Allen started the clock on his second and third contracts, the quicker the agents could make their coveted return on investments paid in the form of pre-draft training and, in some instances, money advancements before the prospects had played an NFL down.—
Alec Lewis,
New York Times,
17 June 2025
Noun
-
The remedy is to start with leader character development to transform the organizational culture.—
Mary Crossan,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2025
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This is one of the best places to spot the aurora, and there will be shuttles and taxis to take visitors into town to experience the culture of this arctic village.—
Katie Nadworny,
Travel + Leisure,
20 June 2025
Noun
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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
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And despite his passing, his musical and cultural significance is guaranteed to continue, with the consistency and majesty of waves rolling across the sea.—
Michael Peregrine,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Refinement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refinement. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
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