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
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 refinement
The show’s charting of the technical and scientific refinements that led from unique daguerreotypes to reproducible cartes de visite and stereographs help ground what could have been a dry and academic exhibition in a sense of discovery.
—
Vince Aletti, New Yorker, 24 May 2025
And scope refinement was the eureka moment on the L train.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 23 May 2025
That sense of getting better through constant refinement is the core of the craft.
—Scott Hutcheson, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
If so, this car reaches a new level of unfathomable American ingenuity, combined with a newfound level of refinement and traction management that attempts to belie the undeniable absurdity to a minimal, arguably necessary, extent.
—Michael Teo Van Runkle, ArsTechnica, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for refinement
Vince Aletti, New Yorker, 24 May 2025
And scope refinement was the eureka moment on the L train.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 23 May 2025
That sense of getting better through constant refinement is the core of the craft.
—Scott Hutcheson, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
If so, this car reaches a new level of unfathomable American ingenuity, combined with a newfound level of refinement and traction management that attempts to belie the undeniable absurdity to a minimal, arguably necessary, extent.
—Michael Teo Van Runkle, ArsTechnica, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for refinement
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refinement
Noun
-
Engage Directly and Transparently With Your Audience One way a brand can rebuild its image after backlash is through authentic transparency — openly acknowledging the issue, taking responsibility and outlining improvement steps.—
Rolling Stone Culture Council,
Rolling Stone,
9 June 2025
-
Even with Trout back, the Angels still have room for improvement.—
Benjamin Royer,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2025
Noun
-
Among his more recent accomplishments was introducing a rock band element to the music program about five years ago.—
Janice Neumann,
Chicago Tribune,
8 June 2025
-
Historians often describe Flammarion more as a popularizer than a serious scientist, but this should not diminish his accomplishments.—
Matthew Shindell,
The Conversation,
6 June 2025
Noun
-
The Legacy Release Three 32 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky honors the original distillery’s style, showcasing a refined elegance, floral complexity, and a layered flavor profile.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes.com,
3 June 2025
-
Combining vintage elegance with modern-day amenities, the five-story, 50-room property is seriously stylish.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
3 June 2025
Noun
-
Top performers within the sector include ConocoPhillips, up about 8.6%; APA Corp, up 7.8%; and Halliburton with a 7.1% advance.—
Darla Mercado, CFP®,
CNBC,
12 June 2025
-
This wasn't just another incremental advance in cancer treatment.—
Samir Khleif,
Time,
11 June 2025
Noun
-
In the entire history of civilization, there has never been legislation that both big and beautiful.—
Dan Mangan,
CNBC,
5 June 2025
-
So, simply by the numbers, the case can be made that ensuring the existence of future human civilization by preparing for species-ending risks like a massive asteroid strike or global nuclear annihilation outweighs addressing poverty or starvation for a few hundred million current people.—
Matthew Purdy,
New York Times,
29 May 2025
Noun
-
Do any technological advancements really surprise you anymore?—
Joe Cermele,
Outdoor Life,
5 June 2025
-
Communities that have historically been at the back of the line for technological advancements can now potentially leapfrog to implementing cutting-edge solutions tailored to their specific needs.—
Dr. Sreeram Mullankandy,
Forbes.com,
5 June 2025
Noun
-
The four pillars – shaping the NFB for next generations, fostering a culture of creativity, elevating awareness of the NFB and expanding audiences – are a call to action.—
Jamie Lang,
Variety,
9 June 2025
-
The Voice of the Culture Award is presented to ASCAP members who have had a major influence on music and culture, recognizing their success as creators and changemakers.—
Kyle Denis,
Billboard,
9 June 2025
Noun
-
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 17 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share