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
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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
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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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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of refinement
Edwards is known for his refinement of radiocarbon dating techniques to study climate history and ocean chemistry.
—
Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes, 5 Jan. 2025
The 23-year-old’s devastating speed frightens defenders but his finishing needs a lot of refinement.
—Jay Harris, The Athletic, 29 Dec. 2024
With further refinements through the ‘80s and ‘90s, the co-axial escapement was eventually adopted by Omega for broad commercialization.
—Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 26 Dec. 2024
Now, the electric SUV is on sale in the US, with more power in the base model and six months more refinement for its software.
—Ars Technica, 19 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for refinement 
Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes, 5 Jan. 2025
The 23-year-old’s devastating speed frightens defenders but his finishing needs a lot of refinement.
—Jay Harris, The Athletic, 29 Dec. 2024
With further refinements through the ‘80s and ‘90s, the co-axial escapement was eventually adopted by Omega for broad commercialization.
—Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 26 Dec. 2024
Now, the electric SUV is on sale in the US, with more power in the base model and six months more refinement for its software.
—Ars Technica, 19 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for refinement
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refinement
Noun
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Together, predictive, generative and agentic AI created a responsive environment where actionable insights led to significant improvements.—
Dr. Chiranjiv Roy,
Forbes,
16 Jan. 2025
-
Sabonis has shown signs of improvement guarding the pick-and-roll this season, but Ellis’ ball swarming has made his life easier.—
Jared Weiss,
The Athletic,
16 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
The Biden administration has long held Medicare negotiations as one of its key health care accomplishments.—
Joseph Choi,
The Hill,
17 Jan. 2025
-
The Florida Panthers’ captain has had numerous milestones, accomplishments and honors over the course of his 12-season NHL career — most notably winning his first-ever Stanley Cup last season.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
17 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Its slim dimensions of 35.5mm wide and just 7.7mm thick, offer a harmonious blend of elegance and comfort.—
Cassell Ferere,
Forbes,
22 Jan. 2025
-
The brand continues to push the code of elegance and details, creating a modern offering that supports relaxed and refined suiting.—
Luisa Zargani,
WWD,
21 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The discount only applies to bookings made at least three days in advance, and cannot be combined with any discounts.—
Michael Cappetta,
Travel + Leisure,
18 Jan. 2025
-
All the hard work takes place in the 10 days leading up to the game, meaning sometimes Aramark staffers are planning way in advance if the Chiefs play back-to-back games at home.—
Joseph Hernandez,
Kansas City Star,
18 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Related: The Best Times to Visit Belize Archaeologists believe the Offering Cave became a pilgrimage site during a devastating drought around the year 900 that contributed to the collapse of Mayan civilization.—
Gina DeCaprio Vercesi,
Travel + Leisure,
23 Jan. 2025
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For most of civilization, people have lived in monarchies or tyrannies of some sort, and most of them managed to be OK.—
Jeremy P. Shapiro,
The Conversation,
22 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
In 2025 After much advancement and excitement around AI technologies in 2024, the coming year promises to be much more measured and thoughtful.—
Arjun Pillai,
Forbes,
24 Jan. 2025
-
Their efforts focus on solving key challenges that have impeded the advancement of fusion technology for over seventy years.—
Quartz Intelligence Newsroom,
Quartz,
24 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
These cultures are differentiated by the role of AI within the organization and its integration with other aspects of company culture.—
London School of Economics,
Forbes,
16 Jan. 2025
-
But Gaiman is one of those figures who seems to particularly lend himself to tattoo culture, O’Mahony says.—
Miles Klee,
Rolling Stone,
16 Jan. 2025
Noun
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What's more, millions of spectators in 13 states had a front row seat to witness the eclipse's majesty.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA TODAY,
16 Dec. 2024
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Days 4-5: Yoga and Sound Healing in Agra The colossal majesty of the Taj Mahal is worth a trip in itself.—
Marion Miller,
Travel + Leisure,
27 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near refinement
Cite this Entry
“Refinement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refinement. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.
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