REFINEMENT Synonyms: 173 Similar and Opposite Words

refinement

noun

ri-ˈfīn-mənt

Definition of refinement

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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Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

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 challenge will include multiple phases, including a concept design, concept refinement after chatting with reviewers, and then a final selection. — Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 12 Oct. 2026 Although some minor chassis flex is evident, the lid is impeccably rigid, and the smooth 360-degree display hinge demonstrates the refinement expected from a flagship machine. — Charles Jefferies, PC Magazine, 11 Oct. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for refinement

Recent Examples of Synonyms for refinement

Noun

Yield improvements averaged fourfold and reached as high as 40-fold.

— Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026
Locked chats, by contrast, remain saved and follow a user’s existing model-improvement setting.

— Fernanda Tronco, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of improvement

Noun

In her new role, Danielle will help celebrate her aunt's life and accomplishments while offering a personal perspective on the woman behind the music, according to a press release announcing the appointment.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
But even with their growing lists of accomplishments, all three designers acknowledge that running an independent label has its challenges.

— Vogue, Vogue, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of accomplishment

Noun

Something draped and silk is my sweet spot, offering both elegance and comfort.

— Fred Sahai, Vogue, 19 Oct. 2026
All four movies exhibit Mackenzie’s knack for trenchant social and political commentary slightly heightened by his elegance as a dramatist and visceral genre filmmaker, and all are accompanied by illuminating supplements.

— Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of elegance

Noun

Voters have already started casting advance ballots in many parts of the state.

— Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2026
Despite more than 25 years of advances in home entertainment, nothing quite matches the tactile thrill of launching a metal ball around a wooden cabinet.

— ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of advance

Noun

Thankfully, the lunar disk will set a few hours after midnight, leaving a window of beautifully dark sky before dawn in which to enjoy the full majesty of the annual meteor shower.

— Anthony Wood, Space.com, 17 Oct. 2026
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

Definition of majesty

Noun

There's reason to believe research on Jonathan and other animals could lead to advancements for people, Austad said.

— KYLE MELNICK THE WASHINGTON POST, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
This advancement could help scientists investigate how electrons respond to intense light and, eventually, explore ways to control them during chemical reactions.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of advancement

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refined

refinement

refinements

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Style

“Refinement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refinement. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of refinement

noun

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