refine

verb

re·​fine ri-ˈfīn 

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

Synonyms

• ameliorate
• amend
• better
• enhance
• enrich
• help
• improve
• meliorate
• perfect
• upgrade

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

Identify one region or patient population to start with, measure the impact and refine the model before scaling. 5. —Thanh Pham, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025

Here are nine classic nail polish shades that are as chic as they are refined, to be worn wherever, whenever, and with whatever. —Jeanne Ballion, Vogue, 15 May 2025

Since then, the brand has gradually refined the style into a sleek wardrobe staple that embodies quiet luxury. —Lauren Alexis Fisher, Footwear News, 15 May 2025

Designed by the aforementioned Cliff May in 1953 as his personal residence (and known as the Experimental Ranch House), the 3,165-square-foot abode was restored and refined by Marmol Radziner during Richardson’s ownership. —Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 15 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for refine

• affine
• airline
• align
• aline
• assign
• baseline
• beamline
• benign
• bloodline
• bovine
• byline
• canine

Kids Definition

refine

verb

re·​fine ri-ˈfīn 

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 

refined; refining

: to free (as sugar or oil) from impurities or unwanted material