as in improves
to make better
worked on refining her backhand before the big tennis match
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Recent Examples of refines
One choice sets the first step, another refines the approach, and each subsequent decision adds clarity.
—
Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026
Homeowners can describe their needs in their own words, and Angi’s AI refines these requests into clear, precise language preferred by service pros, according to the company’s announcement.
—Jessica Alvarado Gamez, Denver Post, 6 Feb. 2026
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
Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026
Homeowners can describe their needs in their own words, and Angi’s AI refines these requests into clear, precise language preferred by service pros, according to the company’s announcement.
—Jessica Alvarado Gamez, Denver Post, 6 Feb. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refines
Verb
-
Replacing your roof not only improves safety and performance, but also boosts curb appeal and increases your home’s value.—
TIMEPROOF USA Roofing Company,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
11 Feb. 2026
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The data is clear that, over time, exercise improves both mental health and cognitive abilities such as problem-solving, Bigliassi said.—
Meg Wingerter,
Denver Post,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Through a nuanced use of light, the film enhances emotional expression and brings each character’s vivid journey to life.—
Etan Vlessing,
HollywoodReporter,
17 Feb. 2026
-
The bittersweet musical numbers lend all the characters — even the comic-relief ones — some modicum of humanity, and Latif’s playful visual style enhances the ironic elements of the tale.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
16 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Refines.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refines. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
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