refine

verb

re·​fine ri-ˈfīn 
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

Synonyms of refine

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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.
Every material has been selected to age gracefully, while subtle craftsmanship and tactile finishes ensure that interiors are refined without ever feeling ostentatious. — Nick Scott, Robb Report, 22 Aug. 2026 These modern stacks are refined and considered, moving away from past loud styles, focusing on making excess look intentional. — Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026 Voit’s emphasis this season has been on refining his eye at the plate, on understanding the difference between looking for a pitch and looking for his pitch. — Tim Britton, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026 Choose one thing to organize, refine, or make easier to repeat tomorrow. — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 22 Aug. 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

Rhymes for refine

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Browse Nearby Words

refind
refine
refined
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Cite this Entry

“Refine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/refine. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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