refined

adjective

re·​fined ri-ˈfīnd 

1

: free from impurities

2

: fastidious, cultivated

3

: precise, exact

a refined test for radioactivity

Synonyms

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

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 on the Web

Walking through, the materials transition from darker tones on the ground floor to lighter, more refined finishes upstairs. —Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 15 May 2025

But seed oils are put through a process where they are pressed, bleached, heated, processed with solvents and highly refined, which can strip them of their nutritional value. —Rona Berg, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025

Talking with your health care providers about fluoride supplements to help ward off dental decay. Diet and dental hygiene Cavities are mainly caused by eating excess sugar and refined carbohydrates. —Matt Fuchs, Time, 14 May 2025

The journey dives deeper into Miami’s dynamic energy, translating the pastel hues of the city’s beaches into daywear and poolside attire with a playful yet refined twist. —Karissa Mitchell, Essence, 9 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for refined

• countersigned
• disinclined
• humankind
• interlined
• intertwined
• mastermind
• misaligned
• nonaligned
• predefined
• realigned
• reassigned
• recombined

Kids Definition

refined

adjective

re·​fined

ri-ˈfīnd

1

: socially well-trained : well-bred, cultivated

very refined manners

2

: freed from impurities : pure

refined sugar

3

: carried to a fine point : subtle

refined measurements