refine

verb

re·​fine ri-ˈfīn How to pronounce refine (audio)
refined; refining

transitive verb

1
: to free (something, such as metal, sugar, or oil) from impurities or unwanted material
2
: to free from moral imperfection : elevate
3
: to improve or perfect by pruning or polishing
refine a poetic style
4
: to reduce in vigor or intensity
5
: to free from what is coarse, vulgar, or uncouth

intransitive verb

1
: to become pure or perfected
2
: to make improvement by introducing subtleties or distinctions
refiner noun

Examples of refine in a Sentence

The inventor of the machine spent years refining the design. The class is meant to help you refine your writing style.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Atlas, which is still in early stages, will be able to autonomously post on social media platforms, community manage, and gauge sentiment online to refine its creative process. Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 28 Jan. 2025 And then just the value of this program to be able to refine their voice and teach them to use their voice in that way. Mará Rose Williams, Kansas City Star, 27 Jan. 2025 Available in 18 shades, the formula features a blend of botanical oils and actives (like milk thistle, red raspberry seed, and squalane) to refine the look of pores and impart a fresh-faced glow. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 26 Jan. 2025 That enabled them to balance and stabilize the game while refining and elevating key aspects of the experience. Gieson Cacho, The Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for refine 

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of refine was in 1582

Dictionary Entries Near refine

Cite this Entry

“Refine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/refine. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

refine

verb
re·​fine ri-ˈfīn How to pronounce refine (audio)
refined; refining
1
: to come or bring to a pure state
refine sugar
2
: to make or become improved
3
: to free from what is vulgar
4
: to improve by introducing something that makes a small difference
refined upon the older methods
refiner noun

Medical Definition

refine

transitive verb
re·​fine ri-ˈfīn How to pronounce refine (audio)
refined; refining
: to free (as sugar or oil) from impurities or unwanted material

More from Merriam-Webster on refine

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