refinement

noun

ri-ˈfīn-mənt How to pronounce refinement (audio)
Definition of refinementnext
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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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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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 Lighting, scene details and period accuracy remain part of that refinement, followed by compositing, upscaling, bit-depth checks and technical review. — Lin Ying-Hsuan, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026 Normalization of the death penalty—the refinement of the technical aspect, the legal aspect, the cultural aspect—has been a centuries-long project both within and outside the government. — Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 3 Oct. 2026 Together, these layers help leaders decide where an agent can take on more responsibility, where its work needs refinement and where intervention is needed before a problematic pattern becomes embedded in an important workflow. — Hanah-Marie Darley, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026 The same precision, refinement and attention to detail that define its hyper sports cars is thus reimagined for an exquisite residential environment. — Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 26 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for refinement
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refinement
  1. improvement
  2. accomplishment
  3. elegance
  4. advance
  5. civilization
  6. majesty
  7. advancement
  8. culture
Noun
  • Long overdue improvements to the debt restructuring process remain crucially important for the handful of countries that need debt stock reduction.
    — Masood Ahmed, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Officials have completed road improvements along the detour route and will deploy traffic control officers at 18 key intersections during the bridge’s full closure.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of improvement
Noun
  • No North American sports franchise can claim such an accomplishment since the Shaq- and Kobe Bryant-led Lakers from 2000 to 2002.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
  • And yet, in Wembanyama’s eyes — and those of his teammates — those accomplishments amount to little more than a prelude.
    — Jeff McDonald, San Antonio Express-News, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of accomplishment
Noun
  • Flashbacks of sartorial elegance from the 1890s are unmistakable here, but the luxe, boutique property is also down-to-earth and comfortable.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The look was also reminiscent of the understated elegance of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, Conor’s late aunt by marriage.
    — Alexandra Macon, Vogue, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of elegance
Noun
  • Both public events are free, though advance reservations are required.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The benefits of space exploration extend well beyond the Moon, potentially driving advances in energy storage, electric vehicles and other technologies on Earth.
    — Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of advance
Noun
  • The Middle East has seen several significant archaeological discoveries in 2026, revealing new insights into ancient civilizations and the region’s rich history.
    — Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The arc of this feud is now well known to all and will no doubt be shaped into the epic poetry our descendants recite in front of bonfires long after our civilization collapses.
    — Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of civilization
Noun
  • The best O’Hara acolytes are the ones who encourage us to see the beauty in the world, attuned to torsos on a New York Street or the majesty of making eggs for a loved one.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Oct. 2026
  • To walk deep into the mountain forests at the doorstep of the Rocky Mountains, is to encounter the fragrant majesty of century-old ponderosa pine trees famous for lining ski slopes, National Park trails and residential neighborhoods.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of majesty
Noun
  • Trade tech advancements are helping those at the vanguard of the new NA movement.
    — Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 11 Oct. 2026
  • In addition to being the league’s most valuable franchise, the Valkyries now hold the record for the fastest advancement to the Finals for an expansion team, making it to the championship in only their second season.
    — Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of advancement
Noun
  • In cell cultures, the researchers found that gamma delta T cells could kill the cancer cells when redirected by the drug.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The brand reinterpreted the Karakorum, Verone, Himalaya and Tibb jackets, paying tribute to its history, alpine culture and commitment to outfitting expeditions.
    — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of culture

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refined
refinement
refinements
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Cite this Entry

“Refinement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refinement. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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