refine

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

Synonyms

• ameliorate
• amend
• better
• enhance
• enrich
• help
• improve
• meliorate
• perfect
• upgrade

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

What took decades to refine was how to design an artificial cornea, known as a keratoprosthesis, that did its job without interfering with the rest of the ocular balance of fluids and nerves. —Brian Murphy, Washington Post, 16 July 2024

Now, that distinguished honor goes to Miller, allowing the 21-year-old to refine the skills that propelled him onto the all-rookie first team. —Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 14 July 2024

Training camp offers Bosa a chance to refine his skills in one-on-one matchups with All-Pro Trent Williams, not to mention the reciprocal lessons right tackle Colton McKivitz might get. —Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 14 July 2024

But before any of that happened, back behind the bar at Cure, the duo refined the Gunshop Fizz. —Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 13 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

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