as in improving
to make better
worked on refining her backhand before the big tennis match
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Recent Examples of refining
And as recently as two months before the show hit Broadway, Shears was busy refining other lyrics to make them as sharp and as could be.
—
Adam Bell, Charlotte Observer, 11 Sep. 2025
Hartgerink and McHugh are refining it further, exploring applications in protein delivery, antibodies, hormones, and enzymes.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 10 Sep. 2025
Wenninger remained behind, refining his less-explosive stuff.
—Chuck Murr, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Enriched with a moisturizing trio — hyaluronic acid, rose fruit, and damask rose extract — the formula soothes and nourishes while refining the appearance of skin texture.
—Esme Benjamin, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025
Engineers are apparently still refining the battery to maximize range and performance before launch.
—New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2025
The Khaite team spent over a year refining the proportions, compartments, and closure to get the weight and feel just right.
—Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 2 Sep. 2025
Colombia in particular – has seen its cocaine production grow dramatically in recent years, due both to an increase in cultivation area (almost 100,000 hectares more since 2020) and, more significantly, because of higher yields in refining the product, according to UN researchers.
—Stefano Pozzebon, CNN Money, 1 Sep. 2025
After their eventful afternoon, the men shared the game with their friend Barney McCallum, refining the game and creating rules.
—Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2025
Adam Bell, Charlotte Observer, 11 Sep. 2025
Hartgerink and McHugh are refining it further, exploring applications in protein delivery, antibodies, hormones, and enzymes.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 10 Sep. 2025
Wenninger remained behind, refining his less-explosive stuff.
—Chuck Murr, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Enriched with a moisturizing trio — hyaluronic acid, rose fruit, and damask rose extract — the formula soothes and nourishes while refining the appearance of skin texture.
—Esme Benjamin, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025
Engineers are apparently still refining the battery to maximize range and performance before launch.
—New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2025
The Khaite team spent over a year refining the proportions, compartments, and closure to get the weight and feel just right.
—Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 2 Sep. 2025
Colombia in particular – has seen its cocaine production grow dramatically in recent years, due both to an increase in cultivation area (almost 100,000 hectares more since 2020) and, more significantly, because of higher yields in refining the product, according to UN researchers.
—Stefano Pozzebon, CNN Money, 1 Sep. 2025
After their eventful afternoon, the men shared the game with their friend Barney McCallum, refining the game and creating rules.
—Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refining
Verb
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But instead of improving, L’s mental health deteriorated.—
Duaa Eldeib,
ProPublica,
10 Sep. 2025
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Resting your eyes, adjusting your digital screen settings, or improving your posture can often relieve symptoms without medical intervention.—
Lindsay Curtis,
Health,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Meanwhile, Russia’s growing military ties with North Korea – capped with the signing of a mutual defense treaty last year – have raised concerns that in exchange for arms and troops, Putin may assist Pyongyang in enhancing its missile technology and nuclear weapons delivery systems.—
Nectar Gan,
CNN Money,
10 Sep. 2025
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While primarily designed for high availability, this also means data and operations are protected against localized security events or attacks, enhancing data integrity and system uptime even under duress.—
Khash Kiani,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Refining.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refining. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
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