as in to improve
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 refine
This tension is most evident in the infrastructure layer, where models are trained, datasets refined, and GPUs burn electricity to generate intelligence.
—
Roomy Khan, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
And as recently as two months before the show hit Broadway, Shears was busy refining other lyrics to make them as sharp and as could be.
—Adam Bell, Charlotte Observer, 11 Sep. 2025
Even as tutor modes are refined and improved, students have to actively select that mode and, for now, also have to play along, deftly providing context and guiding the chatbot away from worthless, low-level questions or sycophancy.
—Brian W. Stone, The Conversation, 10 Sep. 2025
Still needs to refine his defensive game and add finesse in attack.
—Tim Spiers, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for refine
Roomy Khan, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
And as recently as two months before the show hit Broadway, Shears was busy refining other lyrics to make them as sharp and as could be.
—Adam Bell, Charlotte Observer, 11 Sep. 2025
Even as tutor modes are refined and improved, students have to actively select that mode and, for now, also have to play along, deftly providing context and guiding the chatbot away from worthless, low-level questions or sycophancy.
—Brian W. Stone, The Conversation, 10 Sep. 2025
Still needs to refine his defensive game and add finesse in attack.
—Tim Spiers, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for refine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refine
Verb
-
Canales’ first year came with little-to-no expectations, and the team improved three games from rock bottom (2-15 in 2023).—
Mike Kaye
September 10,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Sep. 2025
-
The series builds on The Star's efforts to improve coverage of local communities.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The trio, working in tandem with a blend of 30 essential oils and extracts, comes together to condition hair follicles, relieve dry scalp, smooth split ends, and enhance hair elasticity.—
Kiana Murden,
Vogue,
12 Sep. 2025
-
That is, the group enables Hamas to be both arsonist and firefighter, enhancing its control and reach into the lives of average, everyday Palestinians in Gaza.—
Sean Durns,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Refine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refine. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share