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

While great strides were made to improve and build upon the foundation that Willis Haviland Carrier laid in the first few decades following its introduction, progress in the industry has since been more incremental, focusing on refining and maintaining established practices. —Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 18 Dec. 2024

Startups tend to pivot to refine their product-market fit or better meet customer expectations. —Parna Sarkar-Basu, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024

With the Artist plan, users receive access to the professional-level tools to refine their sound, distribute their music, and grow their audience. —Jem Aswad, Variety, 17 Dec. 2024

Both farms have partnered over the years with sustainability experts at UC Davis, one of the top agricultural schools in the country, to refine their aquaculture practices. —Becky Duffett, Bon Appétit, 17 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

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