refined

adjective

re·​fined ri-ˈfīnd 

1

: free from impurities

2

: fastidious, cultivated

3

: precise, exact

a refined test for radioactivity

Synonyms

• advanced
• developed
• evolved
• forward
• high
• higher
• improved
• late
• progressive

Examples of refined in a Sentence

She has become more refined in her painting technique.

He has very refined manners.

refined and elegant works of art

Recent Examples on the Web

Its founder, an avid athlete, transformed ready-to-wear in the early 20th century by reimagining the era’s activewear fabrics, such as jersey, into refined clothing for the well-heeled. —Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 19 Oct. 2024

Antiques on Washington Street offers a refined selection of Staffordshire dogs, sporting antiques, and Scottish furniture to accent your home. —Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 19 Oct. 2024

From my seat in the balcony there was a refined presence to his tone and a sharp immediacy to every section in the orchestra. —Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2024

In the solar industry alone, the country severely lags in the production of refined materials like polysilicon ingots, wafers, and the cells necessary to manufacture solar panels and develop the expertise to advance the technology further. —Ariel Cohen, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

refined

adjective

re·​fined

ri-ˈfīnd

1

: socially well-trained : well-bred, cultivated

very refined manners

2

: freed from impurities : pure

refined sugar

3

: carried to a fine point : subtle

refined measurements