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 of refinement

• improvement
• advance
• advancement

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

The trade-off is less on-road refinement. —ABC News, 22 Apr. 2026

The contemporary redesign, executed by architect Paola Navone, reflects that timeless Upper East Side refinement, too. —Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 21 Apr. 2026

The product does draw from an era when tea and citrus were rare indulgences reserved for emperors and symbols of refinement, vitality, and cross-cultural connection. —Anne Bratskeir, Travel + Leisure, 21 Apr. 2026

Lemon has room for refinement, but not much. —Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 20 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for refinement

• misalignment
• nonalignment
• realignment
• reassignment
• reconsignment
• alignment
• alinement
• assignment
• confinement
• consignment

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