refined; refining
Synonyms of refine

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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
By refining double magnetic resonance for a single atom, the team demonstrated a way to address these different magnetic components independently. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 28 Oct. 2026 By taking an already class-leading ereader and refining it with a slimmer profile, Amazon has polished its best Kindle just enough. — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 28 Oct. 2026 In the lab, university researchers will work alongside Asics scientists, product developers, and athletes to prototype, test, and refine ideas with real-world applications, the company said. — Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 26 Oct. 2026 Each detail turns elegance into performance, making for garments that can be waterproof, weatherproof and windproof, yet refined enough for the table and formal setting. — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 26 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for refine

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of refine was in 1582

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Refine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/refine. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

Kids Definition

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