as in improves
to make better
worked on refining her backhand before the big tennis match
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 refines
Operating under MoDE-VLA, the system continuously refines its actions based on real-time physical feedback, resulting in substantial improvements in dexterous task performance.
—
Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 30 Mar. 2026
The system then evaluates and refines those ideas, filtering out any that are not novel.
—Jacek Krywko, Scientific American, 27 Mar. 2026
Beyond rice extract to nourish and brighten, niacinamide evens tone and refines the look of pores, while adenosine supports smoother, more bouncy-looking skin.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 26 Mar. 2026
The plant refines heavy sour crude oil into gasoline, diesel and jet fuel.
—CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026
The plant refines heavy sour crude oil into gasoline, diesel and jet fuel, according to the website.
—ABC News, 23 Mar. 2026
In reality, early production may move slowly as Tesla refines the process.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 9 Mar. 2026
Each year, the Bureau of Labor Statistics refines its recent numbers by incorporating more comprehensive data based on unemployment filings.
—Jill Schlesinger, Mercury News, 2 Mar. 2026
Over a lifetime, a bat refines its strategy, becoming more selective in its choice of prey.
—Leonie Baier, The Conversation, 27 Feb. 2026
Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 30 Mar. 2026
The system then evaluates and refines those ideas, filtering out any that are not novel.
—Jacek Krywko, Scientific American, 27 Mar. 2026
Beyond rice extract to nourish and brighten, niacinamide evens tone and refines the look of pores, while adenosine supports smoother, more bouncy-looking skin.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 26 Mar. 2026
The plant refines heavy sour crude oil into gasoline, diesel and jet fuel.
—CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026
The plant refines heavy sour crude oil into gasoline, diesel and jet fuel, according to the website.
—ABC News, 23 Mar. 2026
In reality, early production may move slowly as Tesla refines the process.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 9 Mar. 2026
Each year, the Bureau of Labor Statistics refines its recent numbers by incorporating more comprehensive data based on unemployment filings.
—Jill Schlesinger, Mercury News, 2 Mar. 2026
Over a lifetime, a bat refines its strategy, becoming more selective in its choice of prey.
—Leonie Baier, The Conversation, 27 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refines
Verb
-
Once soil health improves, many gardeners find that digging individual planting holes is sufficient for establishing crops.—
Anthony Reardon,
Kansas City Star,
4 Apr. 2026
-
That said, judgments can remain valid for years and may be renewed, so if your financial situation improves later, creditors could attempt to collect at that time.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Jovy views emerging technology not as a replacement for creativity but as a tool that enhances it.—
Daniel Fusch,
USA Today,
31 Mar. 2026
-
The transformation in Broward County proves that embracing innovation enhances safety.—
Ian Cohen,
Sun Sentinel,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Refines.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refines. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
