Synonyms for
Refinement
Definition
The process of making small improvements to something to make it better or more elegant.
Synonyms & similar words
culture
shade
cultivation
finish
polish
civilization
elaboration
nicety
refining
purification
subtlety
civilisation
nuance
improvement
polish
elegance
sophistication
grace
cultivation
perfection
taste
finesse
subtlety
nuance
precision
stylishness
dignity
civilization
education
mannerliness
courtesy
manners
graciousness
Synonyms by register
Informal
Antonyms
Common collocations
- further refinement
- technical refinement
- aesthetic refinement
- process of refinement
- need for refinement
- refinement of technique
- refinement of taste
Word family
Usage note
Refinement often implies making something better or more sophisticated. It can refer to improvements in quality, taste, or manners.
Example sentences
- The refinement of the car's design improved its aerodynamics.
- She added a touch of refinement to the room with a vase of fresh flowers.
- The artist's refinement of her technique made her paintings more vivid.
- The refinement of the software made it easier to use.
- The chef's refinement of the dish made it taste even better.
Quotes
The refinement of the mind's eye that permits it to see the delicate distinctions among men, among their deeds and their motives, and constitutes real taste, is impossible without the assistance of literature.
A taste for refinement cannot exist in a vulgar atmosphere.
The refinement of the senses that came with civilization had made him more keenly aware of all that was foul, and he had learned to shrink instinctively from the corruption that he saw everywhere around him.