fine-tune

verb

ˈfīn-ˈtün 

fine-tuned; fine-tuning; fine-tunes

transitive verb

1

a

: to adjust precisely so as to bring to the highest level of performance or effectiveness

fine-tune the engine of a race car

fine-tune the format

b

: to improve through minor alteration or revision

fine-tune the temperature of the room

fine-tune a policy

2

: to stabilize (an economy) by small-scale fiscal and monetary manipulations

Examples of fine-tune in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In her seven months as president of Beast Industry Studios, Henson has noticed Donaldson growing more patient and fine-tuning his sense of when employees need encouragement. —Sean Gregory, Time, 6 May 2026

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s tsunami warning program has spent decades fine-tuning rapid message dissemination. —Ezgi Karasözen, The Conversation, 6 May 2026

By adjusting how easily molecules diffuse into and circulate within the cavity, researchers can fine-tune reaction dynamics and improve overall efficiency. —Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 3 May 2026

By fine-tuning the models, developers could score a sustainability win. —Adam Stone, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1959, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for fine-tune

• afternoon
• forenoon
• honeymoon
• importune
• laocoon
• opportune
• pantaloon
• picayune
• tablespoon
• attune
• baboon
• balloon