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

And while the hotel was certainly a different kind of spectacle—tamer and more refined than its Cafe counterparts—there was always another corner left to discover, or a new extension to look forward to on the next visit. — Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Aug. 2026

Niamey has been cushioned by its small domestic refining capacity, while Lomé was one of the first African nations to buy refined fuel from Nigeria’s Dangote refinery in March. — Paige Bruton, semafor.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Honey, compared to white sugar, has a bit of a health halo and is thought of as a better choice than refined sugars. — Sheah Rarback, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026

Luxury fibers introduce refined sensory qualities without compromising denim’s structure. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 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