refine

1 of 2

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

refiner

2 of 2

noun

re·​fin·​er

ri-ˈfī-nər

plural -s

: one that refines: such as

a

: one whose work is refining a specified thing

lard refiner

oil refiner

b

: a machine that gives the final mechanical treatment to paper stock

Synonyms of refine

Verb

• improve
• enhance

Examples of refine in a Sentence

Verb

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

Verb

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

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1582, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for refine

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

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