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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of refinement
Although the tools were small, the authors state that this is not synonymous with a lack of refinement.
—
Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 3 July 2025
The cordial greeting immediately indicates the refinement of what is to follow.
—John Mariani, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
The United States Postal Service (USPS) has begun implementing the next phase of its service standard refinements as part of ongoing efforts to improve mail delivery for customers nationwide.
—Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 July 2025
This one, sold by Lulu and Georgia, has a vintage air that will make your room reek of refinement.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for refinement
Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 3 July 2025
The cordial greeting immediately indicates the refinement of what is to follow.
—John Mariani, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
The United States Postal Service (USPS) has begun implementing the next phase of its service standard refinements as part of ongoing efforts to improve mail delivery for customers nationwide.
—Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 July 2025
This one, sold by Lulu and Georgia, has a vintage air that will make your room reek of refinement.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for refinement
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refinement
Noun
-
Gale’s progressive social agenda gets wrapped in folksy, regionalist humor, as the Friendship Married Ladies Cemetery Improvement Sodality try to bring modern improvements to their village.—
Deborah Williams
July 14,
Literary Hub,
14 July 2025
-
For the Pacers, the next step is bringing those improvements from the summer league floor to the NBA court.—
Tony East,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
Noun
-
As time goes on, some of his accomplishments have been matched — and even beaten — by other K-pop stars.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
13 July 2025
-
Ebert credits his employees with many of the company’s accomplishments.—
Sydney Lake,
Fortune,
13 July 2025
Noun
-
Opened in 1912, this grand railway-era hotel blends old-world elegance with an unbeatable location: steps from Parliament Hill and close to the Rideau Canal, and downtown’s top museums and restaurants.—
Alexandra Emanuelli,
Travel + Leisure,
22 July 2025
-
This is the shift from being a coder to a code craftsperson—focusing on intentionality, experience, elegance and building systems that last.—
Deepa Shekhar,
Forbes.com,
22 July 2025
Noun
-
This is the first time a studio has put tickets for sale this early in advance, but considering Nolan has a loyal army of fans large enough to sack a city, there certainly won’t be any shortage of uptake.—
Benny Har-Even,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
-
It's put submissions to the Federal Register on hold, effectively blocking many NIH grants from being funded because meetings to review grant proposals must be posted in the Federal Register 15 days in advance.—
Kelly Meyerhofer,
jsonline.com,
15 July 2025
Noun
-
That combined with a Thulsa Doom, an Atlantian in Conan who was from a much older civilization, who created as an empire off of the existing world.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
24 July 2025
-
Early civilizations were known to enjoy a range of libations, such as beer, wine, and mead.—
Jack Knudson,
Discover Magazine,
16 July 2025
Noun
-
Some Western governments have previously linked Iran's space program to ballistic missile advancement, and this latest test is expected to factor into ongoing diplomatic discussions, including those related to Iran's nuclear program.—
Amir Daftari,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 July 2025
-
This clearly demonstrates both innovative leadership and potential vulnerability for future advancements.—
Russell Sarder,
Forbes.com,
23 July 2025
Noun
-
Combining the family’s love for Greek culture, nature and food, with their passion for yoga and mindfulness, Kea Retreat offers travelers the option to book a five or six-night retreat or simply indulge in a relaxing and restorative hotel stay.—
Monica Mendal,
Vogue,
15 July 2025
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Yes, artists are important to the persistence of culture, but artisanal skills must take a back seat to functional skills when a colony is still in its early stage.—
Rachel Raposas,
People.com,
14 July 2025
Noun
-
More admired than beloved, the show has extended an open challenge to theater artists drawn to the sophisticated majesty of Brown’s Tony-winning score but daunted by the expansive scope of Uhry’s Tony-winning book.—
Charles McNulty,
Los Angeles Times,
20 June 2025
-
While some of these women have officially earned their crowns in the Disney princess canon, other heroines like Elsa from Frozen (2013) and Mirabel from Encanto (2021) have essentially become honorary majesties.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
23 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Refinement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refinement. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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