refinement

noun

re·​fine·​ment ri-ˈfīn-mənt 

1

: the action or process of refining

2

: the quality or state of being refined : cultivation

3

a

: a refined feature or method

b

: a highly refined distinction : subtlety

c

: a contrivance or device intended to improve or perfect

Synonyms of refinement

• improvement
• advance
• advancement

Examples of refinement in a Sentence

the recent refinements in this area of medical technology

had a sense of refinement that her small hometown couldn't satisfy, so she moved to New York City to be closer to great museums and concert halls

Recent Examples on the Web

Scientific discovery depends upon continual refinement rather than final answers. — David Rosowsky, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Along with a simplified name (the bZ4X is now just the Toyota bZ) comes meaningful improvements in range, charging performance, power, refinement, and interior usability. — New Atlas, 20 July 2026

In each case, there will be important lessons learned and refinements made. — Ravi Iyer, Time, 18 July 2026

The closure and blockade join other global events pushing fuel prices upward, including a disruption of Russian oil refinement due to an expansion of Ukrainian drone strikes. — Vince Basada, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for refinement

• misalignment
• nonalignment
• realignment
• reassignment
• reconsignment
• alignment
• alinement
• assignment
• confinement
• consignment

Kids Definition

refinement

noun

re·​fine·​ment ri-ˈfīn-mənt 

1

: the action or process of refining

2

: the state of being refined : cultivation

3

a

: something that has been refined

refinements in dress and behavior

b

: something intended to improve or refine