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

Tatum, who is vegan, highlighted his cultural connection to ingredients like shea butter and his hands-on approach to formula refinement. — Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Certain behaviors occasionally persisted longer than expected during testing, and some logic interactions could benefit from refinement in future firmware updates. — Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 29 June 2026

Yet Svensk’s tastes of senior competition have been much less eye-catching, with his consistency, focus and hockey sense all demanding considerable refinement. — Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 27 June 2026

The process isn’t perfect, but improving it is a matter of refinement — not blowing it all up. — Lisa Jarvis, Mercury News, 27 June 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