as in improving
to make better
worked on refining her backhand before the big tennis match
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Recent Examples of refining
Joaquin Trinanes, a NOAA researcher who helped develop the inundation tool, said scientists are continually refining the models.
—
Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 13 May 2026
This involved firing the spacecraft’s thrusters for 12 hours, increasing Psyche's speed, and refining its approach to the Red Planet.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 12 May 2026
By the end of the fittings, Hallyday had recut and resewn all three pieces several times, adjusting shades of white, reworking the skirt’s fabrics and refining the jacket’s cut, which was her biggest challenge.
—Kaio Cesar, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2026
Future work will focus on refining the device to study brain development, model specific neurological diseases, and test experimental treatments.
—Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 8 May 2026
That includes strengthening its internal culture, refining legal strategy, and maintaining clear standards around results and professional integrity.
—Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 8 May 2026
That said, Nissan has done a commendable job refining the ride quality.
—New Atlas, 3 May 2026
In the wake of the successful Artemis II mission, the two companies are refining their designs for landers in what has become a high-stakes race to provide the vehicle that will put humans on the Moon for the first time since 1972.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 May 2026
In this role, Wallengren will spearhead the company’s next phase of growth by refining its brand positioning, expanding its customer base and enhancing consumer engagement.
—Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 1 May 2026
Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 13 May 2026
This involved firing the spacecraft’s thrusters for 12 hours, increasing Psyche's speed, and refining its approach to the Red Planet.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 12 May 2026
By the end of the fittings, Hallyday had recut and resewn all three pieces several times, adjusting shades of white, reworking the skirt’s fabrics and refining the jacket’s cut, which was her biggest challenge.
—Kaio Cesar, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2026
Future work will focus on refining the device to study brain development, model specific neurological diseases, and test experimental treatments.
—Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 8 May 2026
That includes strengthening its internal culture, refining legal strategy, and maintaining clear standards around results and professional integrity.
—Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 8 May 2026
That said, Nissan has done a commendable job refining the ride quality.
—New Atlas, 3 May 2026
In the wake of the successful Artemis II mission, the two companies are refining their designs for landers in what has become a high-stakes race to provide the vehicle that will put humans on the Moon for the first time since 1972.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 May 2026
In this role, Wallengren will spearhead the company’s next phase of growth by refining its brand positioning, expanding its customer base and enhancing consumer engagement.
—Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 1 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refining
Verb
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The new commissioner faces the daunting task of improving the existing jail while planning for a world without it.—
Molly Fischer,
New Yorker,
11 May 2026
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It was built for static products like imaging algorithms, not for adaptive systems that keep improving.—
Alon Bergman,
STAT,
11 May 2026
Verb
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Venturella spent time in Gary in 2016 wooing the city with cash infusions for its public safety agencies, workforce development and construction assistance for enhancing Airport Road.—
Carole Carlson,
Chicago Tribune,
13 May 2026
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The ceiling is also covered with fabric, adding more opulence and enhancing live acoustics for performances in the entertainment space.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
12 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Refining.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refining. Accessed 18 May. 2026.
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