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

The Pentagon must ensure sufficient supplies of refined rare earth metals for inclusion in myriad weapons systems like jets, missiles, electric vehicles, night vision goggles and MRI scanners. —Christopher Helman, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025

One surefire way to impress your most refined guests is to serve a smattering of expensive cheeses on a charcuterie board, accompanied by a proper cheese knife set. —Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 22 Apr. 2025

Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea This duo offers a mix of rugged coastline and refined charm. —Amplified Content Studio, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2025

After writing a viral blogpost about the ingredients found in a Chick-fil-A sandwich including food coloring, MSG and refined grains, the company invited Hari to their headquarters to discuss her concerns. —Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 20 Apr. 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