refinement

noun

re·​fine·​ment ri-ˈfīn-mənt 

1

: the action or process of refining

2

: the quality or state of being refined : cultivation

3

a

: a refined feature or method

b

: a highly refined distinction : subtlety

c

: a contrivance or device intended to improve or perfect

Synonyms of refinement

• improvement
• advance
• advancement

Examples of refinement in a Sentence

the recent refinements in this area of medical technology

had a sense of refinement that her small hometown couldn't satisfy, so she moved to New York City to be closer to great museums and concert halls

Recent Examples on the Web

The third-generation glasses feature fairly minor refinements. — Victoria Song, The Verge, 23 Sep. 2026

Often put forward bluntly, the latter could also impress in its refinement. — J. B. MacKinnon, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026

The refinement is drawing mainstream luxury retailers such as Net-a-porter, which is about to launch the brand from fall 2026. — Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026

Technically speaking, Amber turns in a pretty stellar week-one cha-cha, and the notes from the judges are mostly about finesse and refinement. — Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for refinement

• misalignment
• nonalignment
• realignment
• reassignment
• reconsignment
• alignment
• alinement
• assignment
• confinement
• consignment

Kids Definition

refinement

noun

re·​fine·​ment ri-ˈfīn-mənt 

1

: the action or process of refining

2

: the state of being refined : cultivation

3

a

: something that has been refined

refinements in dress and behavior

b

: something intended to improve or refine