unrefined

adjective

un·​re·​fined ˌən-ri-ˈfīnd How to pronounce unrefined (audio)
Synonyms of unrefinednext
: not refined: such as
a
: lacking moral or social cultivation : coarse, uncouth
unrefined tastes and manners
b
: not separated from dross, impurity, or unwanted matter
unrefined oil/ore

Synonyms of unrefined

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Examples of unrefined in a Sentence

unrefined sugar an unrefined mountaineer's hut guilty of such unrefined behavior as eating with their mouths open
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.
That's about a third of all seaborne crude, the unrefined petroleum that is processed into fuels such as gasoline and diesel. — ABC News, 4 Mar. 2026 The unrefined nature keeps some ideas from feeling fleshed out, but Veeze’s personality and precise execution smooth over the rough edges. — Matthew Ritchie, Pitchfork, 2 June 2026 Nutritionists broadly concur that unrefined foods of all sorts, including oats, vegetables, seeds, and nuts, are a healthier choice than foods that have been heavily processed. — Trisha Pasricha, The Atlantic, 7 Apr. 2026 The slightly coarse grittiness of these bars might not be to everyone's liking, but tasting chocolate in this deliberately unrefined form is something everyone should experience at least once. — Paul Stephen, San Antonio Express-News, 4 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unrefined

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unrefined was in 1582

Rhymes for unrefined

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Browse Nearby Words

unreeve
unrefined
unreflected
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Cite this Entry

“Unrefined.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unrefined. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on unrefined

Nglish: Translation of unrefined for Spanish Speakers

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