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

Instead of a sweeping change, Netflix tested the service, refined it based on real-time feedback, and scaled gradually. —Paola Cecchi-Dimeglio, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025

The Trump administration on Saturday asked for clarification from the high court, asking it to refine its order to allow Alien Enemies Act deportations for any migrant who has not challenged their removal. —Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill, 21 Apr. 2025

Each project pushes me to experiment, adapt, and refine my artistry. —Heide Janssen, Oc Register, 20 Apr. 2025

For parents needing to refine the companionate element of their relationship, Brooks advised scheduling thirty minutes each day to talk about your day, worries or interests with each other. —Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Apr. 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