as in improving
to make better
worked on refining her backhand before the big tennis match
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Recent Examples of refining
With field tests complete, NEO is now refining its battery management system (BMS) software and optimizing pack materials to enhance thermal performance and overall efficiency.
—
Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 19 Feb. 2026
Instead, the automaker has focused on refining what was already a solid foundation.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 18 Feb. 2026
His focus remains set on refining a pitching repertoire that includes a four-seam fastball and changeup.
—Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 14 Feb. 2026
The rest of the week saw everyone flexing a bit as expected at the beginning of such talks and refining their proposals based on what the other side of the table put forth.
—Katie Campione, Deadline, 13 Feb. 2026
In December, while refining his routine for his first Olympic Games, in Milan, the 21-year-old figure skater landed seven quadruple jumps in competition, spinning like a weather vane in a windstorm.
—Stephanie Bai, The Atlantic, 8 Feb. 2026
Luckritz said the departments would continue refining the data dashboards before releasing them to the public later this year.
—Austin Sanders, Austin American Statesman, 4 Feb. 2026
Adjusting to new music and refining the interstitial steps between big elements like jumps and spins is often a season-long process, not something a skater would typically do on a much shorter timeline with an Olympic berth on the line.
—Alice Park, Time, 1 Feb. 2026
What early trials revealed After refining the system with healthy participants, researchers tested Revoice with five stroke patients who had dysarthria.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 1 Feb. 2026
Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 19 Feb. 2026
Instead, the automaker has focused on refining what was already a solid foundation.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 18 Feb. 2026
His focus remains set on refining a pitching repertoire that includes a four-seam fastball and changeup.
—Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 14 Feb. 2026
The rest of the week saw everyone flexing a bit as expected at the beginning of such talks and refining their proposals based on what the other side of the table put forth.
—Katie Campione, Deadline, 13 Feb. 2026
In December, while refining his routine for his first Olympic Games, in Milan, the 21-year-old figure skater landed seven quadruple jumps in competition, spinning like a weather vane in a windstorm.
—Stephanie Bai, The Atlantic, 8 Feb. 2026
Luckritz said the departments would continue refining the data dashboards before releasing them to the public later this year.
—Austin Sanders, Austin American Statesman, 4 Feb. 2026
Adjusting to new music and refining the interstitial steps between big elements like jumps and spins is often a season-long process, not something a skater would typically do on a much shorter timeline with an Olympic berth on the line.
—Alice Park, Time, 1 Feb. 2026
What early trials revealed After refining the system with healthy participants, researchers tested Revoice with five stroke patients who had dysarthria.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 1 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refining
Verb
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The upsurge in violence after Oseguera Cervantes’ killing occurs as some indicators in Mexico’s security situation seemed to be improving.—
Angélica Durán-Martínez,
The Conversation,
24 Feb. 2026
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Jones will be a critical figure in improving USC’s interior and developing Stewart.—
Ryan Kartje,
Los Angeles Times,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
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As a bonus, the exercise itself will in turn generate good feelings by increasing levels of dopamine and serotonin, two mood-enhancing neurotransmitters, that will reinforce the behavior.—
Leying Tang,
CNN Money,
18 Feb. 2026
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The award honors a Magic player who has dedicated his efforts off the court for the purpose of enhancing other’s lives.—
Jason Beede,
The Orlando Sentinel,
17 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Refining.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refining. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.
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