refined

adjective

Definition of refined

1 :free from impurities

2 :fastidious, cultivated

3 :precise, exact

a refined test for radioactivity

See refined defined for English-language learners

See refined defined for kids

Examples of refined in a Sentence

She has become more refined in her painting technique.
He has very refined manners.
refined and elegant works of art

Recent Examples of refined from the Web

The United States could be forced to import more gasoline and other refined products.

— tory newmyer, Washington Post, "The Finance 202: Trump speech will bash rigged system. But tax outline would benefit 1 percent.," 30 Aug. 2017
The United States could be forced to import more gasoline and other refined products.

— clifford krauss and hiroko tabuchi, New York Times, "Harvey’s Toll on Energy Industry Shows a Texas Vulnerability," 29 Aug. 2017
Biscuits and gravy (full-order $6, half-order $4): This version is more refined — and layered with subtle flavor — than many served around town.

— jill wendholt silva, kansascity, "New EJ’s Urban Eatery in West Bottoms opens Tuesday: Here’s what’s cooking," 29 Aug. 2017
Meanwhile, Magellan Midstream Partners LP suspended its inbound and outbound refined products and crude pipeline transportation services in the Houston area.

— jessica summers, chicagotribune.com, "Gasoline jumps, oil slips as Harvey slams Texas refinery center," 28 Aug. 2017
For one of those 15-hour days, skip the mid-afternoon chocolate or gummy bears, since refined sugar leads to a quick spike in insulin (the sugar highs are real), and then a subsequent crash (food comas aren't fun either).

— marissa miller, Teen Vogue, "How to Balance Homework and Extracurricular Activities," 10 Aug. 2017
This white version is a lot more refined, especially with high-waisted jeans.

— indya brown, The Cut, "Take Wearing a Crop Top Off Your Summer Bucket List," 7 Aug. 2017
Hit the start button and enjoy the refined, burbling exhaust note.

— by brian melton, star-telegram, "Formula 1 Fun: Super-Cool McLaren 720S is Hot, Hot, Hot," 2 Aug. 2017
Some analysts advocate a more modest approach, including stepped-up sanctions on government officials, or blocking the export of U.S. refined petroleum products to Venezuela.

— jim wyss, miamiherald, "As U.S. steps up pressure on Venezuela, oil sanctions remain one way to push out Maduro," 26 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'refined.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of refined

1582

refined Synonyms

Synonyms

developed, evolved, forward, high, higher, improved, late, progressive, advanced

REFINED Defined for English Language Learners

refined

adjective

Definition of refined for English Language Learners

: free of unwanted substances
: improved to be more precise or exact
: having or showing the good education, polite manners, etc., that are expected in people who belong to a high social class