as in to improve
to make better
worked on refining her backhand before the big tennis match
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Recent Examples of refine
OpenAI has similarly indicated commitment to refining its approach, noting that the initial version of Instant Checkout lacked sufficient flexibility and that the company is focusing on improving product discovery features.
—
Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2026
Formulated with three powerful ingredients, these pads are designed to refine pores, soothe damaged skin and help fade the look of uneven patches.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2026
Left to do, among other things, is refine how the new EV uses power to maximize grip, comfort, and the car’s range.
—Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 31 Mar. 2026
Silver is often created as a byproduct of copper, lead, zinc and some gold through the process of mining, crushing and grinding ore and then refining it.
—Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for refine
Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2026
Formulated with three powerful ingredients, these pads are designed to refine pores, soothe damaged skin and help fade the look of uneven patches.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2026
Left to do, among other things, is refine how the new EV uses power to maximize grip, comfort, and the car’s range.
—Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 31 Mar. 2026
Silver is often created as a byproduct of copper, lead, zinc and some gold through the process of mining, crushing and grinding ore and then refining it.
—Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for refine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refine
Verb
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Sacramento improved its position in the lottery standings, gaining ground on the Nets and Indiana Pacers, who beat the Miami Heat 135-118 after losing 18 of their last 19 games.—
Jason Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
30 Mar. 2026
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Albin is confident the offensive line will improve this season, allowing the signal callers to take command of the offense.—
Hunter Bailey,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
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By enabling submarines to deploy and recover unmanned vehicles while remaining hidden, the technology enhances both mission flexibility and operational safety.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
26 Mar. 2026
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The new definition of Mormon perfection looks different now, but that’s not to say the pursuit of looking naturally beautiful is easier than looking artificially enhanced.—
Elizabeth Gulino,
Allure,
26 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Refine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refine. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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