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
Understanding when to use medium or low heat can elevate a dish from rushed to refined.
—
Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 28 Apr. 2026
But vetoing the bill outright, rather than working to refine it, sends the wrong message — and leaves a gaping hole in protections that are urgently needed.
—Elliot Cosgrove, New York Daily News, 27 Apr. 2026
What refined it further was his time doing reconditioning PT, working with service members who had already failed their fitness tests and had six months to pass or face separation from the military.
—Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 27 Apr. 2026
The lesson learned was simply the need to refine the coating on the metal bezel.
—David Szondy
april 25, New Atlas, 25 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for refine
Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 28 Apr. 2026
But vetoing the bill outright, rather than working to refine it, sends the wrong message — and leaves a gaping hole in protections that are urgently needed.
—Elliot Cosgrove, New York Daily News, 27 Apr. 2026
What refined it further was his time doing reconditioning PT, working with service members who had already failed their fitness tests and had six months to pass or face separation from the military.
—Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 27 Apr. 2026
The lesson learned was simply the need to refine the coating on the metal bezel.
—David Szondy
april 25, New Atlas, 25 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for refine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refine
Verb
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Parker now has several options to improve an area that hasn’t been a strength in Dallas for a while.—
Jon Machota,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
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In good economic times, that’s hundreds of millions of dollars each year for upgrading classrooms, boosting teacher pay, improving security, and enriching learning in our schools.—
Kevin Vick,
Denver Post,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The verdict As if its beautiful beaches and stunning lagoon aren’t enough to lull you into a sense of deep relaxation, Joali Being will stop at nothing to enhance your sense of wellbeing.—
Ann Lee,
TheWeek,
30 Apr. 2026
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Now Union Pacific has to demonstrate that this deal will enhance competition.—
Josh Funk,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Refine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refine. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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