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
Thousands of simulated trials help refine grip stability and posture control, enabling smooth transfer to real-world execution, reports Techeblog.
—
Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 20 Apr. 2026
Everybody worked really hard in the offseason to refine our processes and our communication.
—Dave Skretta, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Apr. 2026
In the past this kind of possum-tracking technique seemed impossible, but in the last two years, Sanjar, Cove and Jeremy Dixon, manager of the refuge, have made significant strides in refining the concept to be a weapon against the invasive and highly destructive snakes.
—Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 19 Apr. 2026
The high-rise, drapey leg creates an effortless shape that still appears refined, and the linen gets softer with every wear.
—Paris Wilson, Travel + Leisure, 19 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for refine
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Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 20 Apr. 2026
Everybody worked really hard in the offseason to refine our processes and our communication.
—Dave Skretta, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Apr. 2026
In the past this kind of possum-tracking technique seemed impossible, but in the last two years, Sanjar, Cove and Jeremy Dixon, manager of the refuge, have made significant strides in refining the concept to be a weapon against the invasive and highly destructive snakes.
—Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 19 Apr. 2026
The high-rise, drapey leg creates an effortless shape that still appears refined, and the linen gets softer with every wear.
—Paris Wilson, Travel + Leisure, 19 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for refine
Cite this Entry
“Refine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/refine. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
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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