refined; refining
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
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
Armani, who had already introduced unstructured jackets for men and women, was part of the generation of designers who ushered in a less formal fashion era, one that would allow men and women to look refined without looking stuffy.
—
Belinda Luscombe, Time, 5 Sep. 2025
The researchers plan to scale up production and refine the technology for clinical trials.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2025
If breakouts are a concern, a toner that includes gentle exfoliating acids like glycolic or salicylic acid can keep pores clear and refine skin texture.
—Esme Benjamin, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025
When the vision is clear, heritage brands can use this moment to refine and deepen their codes rather than reinvent them.
—Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2025
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Belinda Luscombe, Time, 5 Sep. 2025
The researchers plan to scale up production and refine the technology for clinical trials.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2025
If breakouts are a concern, a toner that includes gentle exfoliating acids like glycolic or salicylic acid can keep pores clear and refine skin texture.
—Esme Benjamin, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025
When the vision is clear, heritage brands can use this moment to refine and deepen their codes rather than reinvent them.
—Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for refine
Cite this Entry
“Refine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/refine. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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