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
However, the trio of siblings has spent months refining their routines, and Zara plans to join her parents for their next stint on stage.
—
Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 15 Jan. 2026
Starting with a focus on low-profile mechanical keyboards, the brand refined the balance between slim portability and satisfying key travel—an area long defined by compromise.
—Matt Emma, USA Today, 14 Jan. 2026
Dreyer’s decision comes as SDFC continues to refine its roster following one of the most successful inaugural seasons in Major League Soccer history.
—Ryan Finley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Jan. 2026
But their approach has been too scattershot to catch on in an organized way on Capitol Hill and needs to be refined, the second Republican said.
—Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for refine
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Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 15 Jan. 2026
Starting with a focus on low-profile mechanical keyboards, the brand refined the balance between slim portability and satisfying key travel—an area long defined by compromise.
—Matt Emma, USA Today, 14 Jan. 2026
Dreyer’s decision comes as SDFC continues to refine its roster following one of the most successful inaugural seasons in Major League Soccer history.
—Ryan Finley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Jan. 2026
But their approach has been too scattershot to catch on in an organized way on Capitol Hill and needs to be refined, the second Republican said.
—Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 13 Jan. 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 17 Jan. 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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