refined

adjective

re·​fined ri-ˈfīnd 

1

: free from impurities

2

: fastidious, cultivated

3

: precise, exact

a refined test for radioactivity

Synonyms of refined

• evolved
• improved
• advanced
• higher
• developed

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

Whereas Microsoft's apps feel extremely polished, LibreOffice's programs are somewhat less refined. —Edward Mendelson, PC Magazine, 19 Mar. 2026

While cutting refined carbs can be beneficial, quality carbohydrates provide essential energy, especially for people who exercise regularly. —Fred Sassani, Austin American Statesman, 19 Mar. 2026

Tucked and tailored, the look strikes that elusive balance—a go-to uniform that feels refined and anything but predictable. —Minty Mellon, Vogue, 19 Mar. 2026

Dining centers on refined kaiseki or traditional Japanese coursed haute cuisine, featuring regional specialties such as meltingly tender Tajima beef (an elite breed of wagyu cattle and the source of Kobe beef) and Matsuba snow crab. —Kelsey Eisen, Robb Report, 19 Mar. 2026

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