refine

verb

re·​fine ri-ˈfīn 

refined; refining

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

• improve
• enhance

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

The virtual program will include development support to strengthen their screenplays, as well as advice on creating a compelling project package and refining their pitching skills in preparation for their residency in Los Angeles. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 8 Apr. 2026

But Comey has thrived, refining her own particular jolie laide aesthetic, with its offbeat palettes and silhouettes and emphasis on texture. —Maya Singer, Vogue, 8 Apr. 2026

Threats to the narrow waterway where roughly a fifth of the world’s oil typically passes have pushed up jet fuel prices, which are refined from crude. —Rio Yamat, Fortune, 8 Apr. 2026

Share the idea, then refine it together. —Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 8 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for refine

• affine
• airline
• align
• aline
• assign
• baseline
• beamline
• benign
• bloodline
• bovine
• byline
• canine

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