as in improves
to make better
worked on refining her backhand before the big tennis match
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Recent Examples of refines
China also refines some 90% of rare earths.
—
Steven Lamy, Fortune, 22 Jan. 2026
The brand’s Carrera Chronograph 41mm glassbox refines Jack Heuer’s original 1963 vision created for motorsport timing.
—Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 19 Jan. 2026
Lakan Lambanog refines the traditional coconut spirit into a smooth, elegant sip that feels right at home on the rocks.
—Ching Dee, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 2026
The denim industry has found an appreciation for linen and how the fiber enhances and refines what is traditionally considered to be a tough and rugged fabric.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 7 Jan. 2026
The new 2026 version refines those traits but adds a number of performance-enhancing design features.
—Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 5 Jan. 2026
The original was a brilliant but messy project, but the sequel refines those ideas and brings them into focus.
—Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 29 Dec. 2025
As healing continues, subtle changes are common as the nasal contour gradually refines into a permanent result.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2025
Mario Badescu’s no-frills formula refines pores and soothes skin post-cleansing with witch hazel and rose water.
—Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 18 Nov. 2025
Steven Lamy, Fortune, 22 Jan. 2026
The brand’s Carrera Chronograph 41mm glassbox refines Jack Heuer’s original 1963 vision created for motorsport timing.
—Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 19 Jan. 2026
Lakan Lambanog refines the traditional coconut spirit into a smooth, elegant sip that feels right at home on the rocks.
—Ching Dee, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 2026
The denim industry has found an appreciation for linen and how the fiber enhances and refines what is traditionally considered to be a tough and rugged fabric.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 7 Jan. 2026
The new 2026 version refines those traits but adds a number of performance-enhancing design features.
—Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 5 Jan. 2026
The original was a brilliant but messy project, but the sequel refines those ideas and brings them into focus.
—Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 29 Dec. 2025
As healing continues, subtle changes are common as the nasal contour gradually refines into a permanent result.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2025
Mario Badescu’s no-frills formula refines pores and soothes skin post-cleansing with witch hazel and rose water.
—Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 18 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refines
Verb
-
This method improves sun exposure and airflow in steep terrain.—
Emily Price,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
-
But the impact won’t be meaningful unless the accuracy of the models improves.—
Reed Albergotti,
semafor.com,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Heather Rose explains how living quietly enhances her writing.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Jan. 2026
-
More critically, this is another update where Apple enhances iOS 26.—
Zak Doffman,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Refines.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refines. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
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