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

Larson notes that whole-wheat or whole-grain crust generally provides more fiber and micronutrients such as magnesium than crust made primarily from refined white flour. — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2026

Nothing gives your dining table or countertops a refined touch like a polished set of salt and pepper shakers. — Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2026

Meanwhile, colder temperatures in the Northern Hemisphere will also create higher demand for refined distillate fuels — the energy category that includes diesel. — Rob Wile, NBC news, 4 Sep. 2026

Neil Atkinson, energy analyst and senior fellow at the National Center for Energy Analytics, said refined oil products like diesel are becoming more expensive as supplies get stretched. — Wyatte Grantham-Philips, Fortune, 4 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