refined

1 of 2

adjective

re·​fined ri-ˈfīnd 

1

: free from impurities

2

: fastidious, cultivated

3

: precise, exact

a refined test for radioactivity

refined

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of refine

Synonyms of refined

Adjective

• evolved
• improved
• advanced
• higher
• developed

Examples of refined in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Adjective

An experienced surgeon has developed refined surgical judgment through hundreds or even thousands of successful procedures, a claim the new graduate cannot yet make. — Miami Herald, 29 Sep. 2026

Combine them with two-tone heels, and your legs will look longer and your outfit more refined. — René Chávez Esparza, Glamour, 29 Sep. 2026

The brand said softer and more refined materials were paired with structured silhouettes and polished hardware. — Kanika Talwar, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026

Jet fuel has risen even faster than oil during the war, reflecting both higher crude prices and tight supplies of the refined fuel that is one of airlines’ largest operating expenses. — Rio Yamat, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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