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

Custom fabrics and leathers, along with signature Invictus details such as the buckles on the backrests, create a refined and cohesive feel throughout. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 4 Nov. 2026

With its choppy layers and subtle movement, the cut felt modern, refined, and perfectly in step with her evolving personal style. — Amanda Le, InStyle, 4 Nov. 2026

The concentration of this refined material in China gives Beijing ever-greater market power and the ability to weaponize it. — Tom Moerenhout, Foreign Affairs, 4 Nov. 2026

China now produces about 92% of the world's refined rare earths, according to the International Energy Agency. — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 4 Nov. 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