as in improvements
an instance of notable progress in the development of knowledge, technology, or skill
the recent refinements in this area of medical technology
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Recent Examples of refinements
Thanks to decades of such refinements, today’s jets may be the world’s most reliable machines.
—
Burkhard Bilger, New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2026
Corrections then feel like reversals rather than refinements.
—Charles Edward Gehrke, Fortune, 9 Feb. 2026
With spring break just weeks away, Meiner said the city's approach will largely mirror last year's effort to curb unruly crowds, though some refinements are in the works.
—Abby Dodge, CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026
Subtle refinements then come to the collar, which features traditional construction to avoid any rub spots.
—Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 29 Jan. 2026
These refinements are intended to extend plasma performance beyond the capabilities of previous generations.
—Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 15 Jan. 2026
While self-reported, such figures are often used by clinics to illustrate how procedural refinements may influence outcomes in a competitive market.
—Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 2 Jan. 2026
Limited to 40 units—all of which went to existing Chiron owners—the Divo spent two years in development, engineers making refinements all over the chassis, including a massive rear wing and front splitter.
—Sean Evans, Robb Report, 9 Dec. 2025
The kinds of questions posed in the meetings could lead to refinements to the merger agreement, Sook said.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 8 Dec. 2025
Burkhard Bilger, New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2026
Corrections then feel like reversals rather than refinements.
—Charles Edward Gehrke, Fortune, 9 Feb. 2026
With spring break just weeks away, Meiner said the city's approach will largely mirror last year's effort to curb unruly crowds, though some refinements are in the works.
—Abby Dodge, CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026
Subtle refinements then come to the collar, which features traditional construction to avoid any rub spots.
—Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 29 Jan. 2026
These refinements are intended to extend plasma performance beyond the capabilities of previous generations.
—Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 15 Jan. 2026
While self-reported, such figures are often used by clinics to illustrate how procedural refinements may influence outcomes in a competitive market.
—Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 2 Jan. 2026
Limited to 40 units—all of which went to existing Chiron owners—the Divo spent two years in development, engineers making refinements all over the chassis, including a massive rear wing and front splitter.
—Sean Evans, Robb Report, 9 Dec. 2025
The kinds of questions posed in the meetings could lead to refinements to the merger agreement, Sook said.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 8 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refinements
Noun
-
Yet when the researchers blocked key proteins involved in dendritic growth, the improvements disappeared—a suggestion that the drug’s mental-health effects might depend on the growth.—
Clayton Dalton,
New Yorker,
13 Mar. 2026
-
The city is working with Sacramento County and Sacramento Regional Transit to identify safety improvements along the road, including possible dedicated bus lanes and pedestrian upgrades.—
Madison Smalstig,
Sacbee.com,
12 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The technological advances have gained international attention.—
Evelyn Cheng,
CNBC,
11 Mar. 2026
-
As the pandemic advances, the characters lock down in various ways, disoriented and stressed out.—
Emma Alpern,
Vulture,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Specific goals, apart from AI, electric vehicles and robotics, include making advancements in semiconductors, batteries, biomedicine and 6G mobile networks.—
Ken Moritsugu,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Politicians are focusing more on white-collar professionals as AI advancements threaten jobs.—
Kayla Hayempour,
NBC news,
9 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Refinements.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refinements. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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