as in improving
to make better
worked on refining her backhand before the big tennis match
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of refining
To improve this issue, companies are working on refining both technology and management systems.
—
Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2025
Cybercriminals are constantly refining their tactics, and phishing emails that once looked laughably fake can now be nearly indistinguishable from the real thing.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2025
After adding some muscle in the offseason and refining his in-between game, Smith should have opportunities to take advantage of mismatches when teams try to hide smaller players on him.
—William Guillory, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
El Segundo is capable of refining 290,000 barrels of crude oil per day, according to Chevron.
—Alia Shoaib, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
The El Segundo oil refinery is capable of refining 290,000 barrels of crude oil per day, Chevron says on its website, and its primary products are gasoline, jet and diesel.
—Sam Meredith, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2025
This silky, fragrance-free formula delivers all the benefits of retinol—like smoothing fine lines, refining texture, and evening skin tone—without a heavy or irritating feel.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 1 Oct. 2025
Both are intensive programs designed to strengthen the craft and careers of independent producers, where Fellows work closely with industry professionals and advisors, gaining practical insights into the art and business of producing while refining specific projects.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 30 Sep. 2025
Fromental achieves this by pairing brushwork with hand-embroidery—and by refining its color palettes for modern sensibilities.
—Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 27 Sep. 2025
Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2025
Cybercriminals are constantly refining their tactics, and phishing emails that once looked laughably fake can now be nearly indistinguishable from the real thing.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2025
After adding some muscle in the offseason and refining his in-between game, Smith should have opportunities to take advantage of mismatches when teams try to hide smaller players on him.
—William Guillory, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
El Segundo is capable of refining 290,000 barrels of crude oil per day, according to Chevron.
—Alia Shoaib, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
The El Segundo oil refinery is capable of refining 290,000 barrels of crude oil per day, Chevron says on its website, and its primary products are gasoline, jet and diesel.
—Sam Meredith, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2025
This silky, fragrance-free formula delivers all the benefits of retinol—like smoothing fine lines, refining texture, and evening skin tone—without a heavy or irritating feel.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 1 Oct. 2025
Both are intensive programs designed to strengthen the craft and careers of independent producers, where Fellows work closely with industry professionals and advisors, gaining practical insights into the art and business of producing while refining specific projects.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 30 Sep. 2025
Fromental achieves this by pairing brushwork with hand-embroidery—and by refining its color palettes for modern sensibilities.
—Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 27 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refining
Verb
-
The researchers plan to address the light sensitivity issue by modifying how the vitamin interacts with the electrolyte and by improving the engineering of the flow cell itself.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
16 Oct. 2025
-
Aaron Bergman, Larkins’ attorney, said Larkins, who is now 18, cares about improving access for other children in school.—
Becca Savransky,
Idaho Statesman,
15 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
But beyond 60 mg/L, uptake surged sharply, suggesting multilayer adsorption, where molecules stack on top of each other, enhancing the total adsorption.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
15 Oct. 2025
-
Competitive runners emphasized the value of performance-enhancing features—such as carbon plates—but stressed that these should not come at the expense of comfort.—
Melissa Fleur Afshar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Refining.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refining. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share