as in improves
to make better
worked on refining her backhand before the big tennis match
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Recent Examples of refines
Operating under MoDE-VLA, the system continuously refines its actions based on real-time physical feedback, resulting in substantial improvements in dexterous task performance.
—
Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 30 Mar. 2026
The system then evaluates and refines those ideas, filtering out any that are not novel.
—Jacek Krywko, Scientific American, 27 Mar. 2026
Beyond rice extract to nourish and brighten, niacinamide evens tone and refines the look of pores, while adenosine supports smoother, more bouncy-looking skin.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 26 Mar. 2026
The plant refines heavy sour crude oil into gasoline, diesel and jet fuel.
—CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026
The plant refines heavy sour crude oil into gasoline, diesel and jet fuel, according to the website.
—ABC News, 23 Mar. 2026
In reality, early production may move slowly as Tesla refines the process.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 9 Mar. 2026
Each year, the Bureau of Labor Statistics refines its recent numbers by incorporating more comprehensive data based on unemployment filings.
—Jill Schlesinger, Mercury News, 2 Mar. 2026
Over a lifetime, a bat refines its strategy, becoming more selective in its choice of prey.
—Leonie Baier, The Conversation, 27 Feb. 2026
Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 30 Mar. 2026
The system then evaluates and refines those ideas, filtering out any that are not novel.
—Jacek Krywko, Scientific American, 27 Mar. 2026
Beyond rice extract to nourish and brighten, niacinamide evens tone and refines the look of pores, while adenosine supports smoother, more bouncy-looking skin.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 26 Mar. 2026
The plant refines heavy sour crude oil into gasoline, diesel and jet fuel.
—CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026
The plant refines heavy sour crude oil into gasoline, diesel and jet fuel, according to the website.
—ABC News, 23 Mar. 2026
In reality, early production may move slowly as Tesla refines the process.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 9 Mar. 2026
Each year, the Bureau of Labor Statistics refines its recent numbers by incorporating more comprehensive data based on unemployment filings.
—Jill Schlesinger, Mercury News, 2 Mar. 2026
Over a lifetime, a bat refines its strategy, becoming more selective in its choice of prey.
—Leonie Baier, The Conversation, 27 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refines
Verb
-
Adjust the inputs and the output improves.—
Allison Palmer,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
17 Apr. 2026
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One of the easiest ways to revive it is by mixing in fresh compost, which improves both texture and nutrient content.—
Jessica Safavimehr,
Southern Living,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The zero gravity effects here work extremely well and there's a genuine good-naturedness on display that enhances the true silliness of the moment.—
Jeff Spry,
Space.com,
14 Apr. 2026
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Gruyère cheese and creamy butter form a rich sauce that enhances the chicken.—
Phoebe Evans,
Southern Living,
13 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Refines.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refines. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.
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