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
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The project will also add turn lanes, access control measures and pedestrian improvements.—
March 26,
Charlotte Observer,
26 Mar. 2026
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As further improvements are made, platinum-free fuel cells could play a major role in building a cleaner and more affordable energy future.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
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If El-Sayed advances with Piker's support, the party will face continued pressure to engage with him, some analysts predict.—
Jesus Mesa,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
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While none of the commodities are traded as widely as oil, the surge indicates how ripple effects from the Middle East conflict could end up restricting production of the semiconductors that power artificial intelligence advances.—
Evelyn Cheng,
CNBC,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Plus, uncertainty – the biggest domino of them all – had the potential to recede as companies gained greater clarity on the economy, borrowing costs, tariffs and other federal policies, technological advancements, and geopolitical developments.—
Alicia Wallace,
CNN Money,
29 Mar. 2026
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The recent increase in reports may also be linked to advancements in technology and widespread camera use, prompting the question of whether these tools are amplifying the apparent surge.—
Jamie Carter,
Space.com,
27 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Refinements.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refinements. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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