1
as in improvement
an instance of notable progress in the development of knowledge, technology, or skill
the recent refinements in this area of medical technology
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in accomplishment
a high level of taste and enlightenment as a result of extensive intellectual training and exposure to the arts
had a sense of refinement that her small hometown couldn't satisfy, so she moved to New York City to be closer to great museums and concert halls
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in elegance
dignified or restrained beauty of form, appearance, or style
although she can afford all the jewelry that money can buy, she dresses with the gentle refinement that only taste can bestow
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of refinement
For some filmmakers, like say Clint Eastwood, part of the appeal is how their form has gotten more simplified and direct over time — whether that’s due to age or refinement or lack of resources.
—
J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 24 Apr. 2025
That explains the slightly odd-looking front end, with its solid grille, narrow daytime-running lights, and headlamps and vents buried beneath, but also the exceptional refinement, with a noticeable lack of wind noise.
—Ben Oliver, Robb Report, 23 Apr. 2025
Available in two sizes, 39.5mm and 41mm, the watch introduces a number of refinements that focus on proportion, wearability, and technical improvements, while staying true to the DNA of the Superman line.
—Matthew Catellier, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
Tucked behind locked iron gates on one of the Village’s most storied carriageways, the one-bedroom, two-bathroom residence is a fusion of historic charm and modern refinement.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for refinement
J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 24 Apr. 2025
That explains the slightly odd-looking front end, with its solid grille, narrow daytime-running lights, and headlamps and vents buried beneath, but also the exceptional refinement, with a noticeable lack of wind noise.
—Ben Oliver, Robb Report, 23 Apr. 2025
Available in two sizes, 39.5mm and 41mm, the watch introduces a number of refinements that focus on proportion, wearability, and technical improvements, while staying true to the DNA of the Superman line.
—Matthew Catellier, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
Tucked behind locked iron gates on one of the Village’s most storied carriageways, the one-bedroom, two-bathroom residence is a fusion of historic charm and modern refinement.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for refinement
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refinement
Noun
-
This would mark an improvement over the year-ago quarter, when the company reported earnings of $1.27 per share on sales of $22.2 billion.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
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Senators from both parties were also upset with the House, after GOP leaders there refused to bring up a budget bill with funding for capital improvement projects across the state, including for a new mental health hospital in Kansas City.—
Jonathan Shorman,
Kansas City Star,
28 May 2025
Noun
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Their guide, speaking to the New York Times, credited their accomplishment to a secret advantage: prior to the trip, the climbers inhaled xenon gas, which may have made their acclimatization to the low-oxygen environment of Everest easier.—
Stephanie Pappas,
Scientific American,
29 May 2025
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During 2024-25, the company achieved a notable accomplishment: a 3% year-on-year sales increase in China.—
Gemma A. Williams,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2025
Noun
-
Deserts, Safaris And Starlit Skies Aboard An African Luxury Rail Journey A luxury train, evoking the charm of old-world elegance, awaits its guests in Pretoria, ready to take them on an over 2,000-mile journey through Southern Africa and Namibia.—
Emese Maczko,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2025
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Related Articles The collection itself embodies Giambattista Valli’s signature blend of effortless elegance and ethereal fantasy, including the ideal wedding guest dresses and fashions for formal summer occasions.—
Lauren Alexis Fisher,
Footwear News,
22 May 2025
Noun
-
However, multifamily projects are often planned further in advance, with raw materials purchased well before construction.—
Samantha Delouya,
CNN Money,
19 May 2025
-
Use direct language when offering ideas or feedback Don’t apologize in advance for disagreeing or sharing an idea.—
Lorraine K. Lee,
CNBC,
19 May 2025
Noun
-
The belief was that an alien being in outer space would come across the Voyager, be curious about what civilization sent out the spacecraft, and then play the phonograph.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2025
-
Opened in 1974 by billionaire oilman J. Paul Getty, the museum honors the arts and cultures of various classic civilizations from the ancient Greeks to the Romans.—
James Powel,
USA Today,
22 May 2025
Noun
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The settlement included over 4,000 Google employees in California and New York, with plaintiffs making the case that Google kept Black employees in lower-level jobs, paid them less, lowered their performance ratings and prevented Black employees from advancement.—
Janice Gassam Asare,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2025
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Among the brand’s recent advancements in activewear, the StudioSmooth collection launched in February with leggings, bras, tops, a skort, biker shorts, athletic dresss and full zips.—
David Moin,
Footwear News,
23 May 2025
Noun
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On the surface, the rationale might be restoring culture or increasing collaboration.—
Alise Cortez,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
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To understand that requires an appreciation for the political culture that these individuals marinated in.—
Emily Feng,
NPR,
28 May 2025
Noun
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What’s most important is to take it all in: the place, its majesty and its importance.—
Caroline Eubanks,
Chicago Tribune,
23 Apr. 2025
-
Her majesty, the queen, is here.—
Jack Howland,
Kansas City Star,
21 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Refinement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refinement. Accessed 1 Jun. 2025.
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