refinement

noun

re·​fine·​ment ri-ˈfīn-mənt 

1

: the action or process of refining

2

: the quality or state of being refined : cultivation

3

a

: a refined feature or method

b

: a highly refined distinction : subtlety

c

: a contrivance or device intended to improve or perfect

Synonyms

• advance
• advancement
• breakthrough
• enhancement
• improvement

Examples of refinement in a Sentence

the recent refinements in this area of medical technology

had a sense of refinement that her small hometown couldn't satisfy, so she moved to New York City to be closer to great museums and concert halls

Recent Examples on the Web

Continuous monitoring and iterative refinement are key to long-term success. —Tamas Kadar, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024

Yet there’s a special magic that comes from such detailed, focused refinement. —Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 11 Dec. 2024

The Biden administration continued this approach by including funding for rare earth extraction and refinement facilities in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. —Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024

The location was marked by tighter editing, up-front styling moments reflecting key looks of the season, elbow room and design details and furnishings that brought an air of refinement to the space. —David Moin, WWD, 10 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

refinement

noun

re·​fine·​ment ri-ˈfīn-mənt 

1

: the action or process of refining

2

: the state of being refined : cultivation

3

a

: something that has been refined

refinements in dress and behavior

b

: something intended to improve or refine