refinement

noun

re·​fine·​ment ri-ˈfīn-mənt How to pronounce refinement (audio)
Synonyms of refinementnext
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But unlike its 1,139 hp Valkyrie stablemate—street-legal, yet all motorsport manners—this carbon-fiber chameleon is an undeniable track star that also offers revelatory driving refinement on the road, setting a standard much the way Aston’s iconic DB5 once did in its own era. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 17 June 2026 The machine-vision models still require refinement, and certain objects—particularly flat items such as books—can be difficult for the gripper to handle reliably. Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 16 June 2026 Lucas Blalock likewise finds tragicomic potential in photography itself, inverting Photoshop as a mere tool of postproduction to foreground it as generative and creative, leaving visible traces of labor in ugly edits and unrefined refinements. Eugenie Brinkema, ARTnews.com, 14 June 2026 Wembanyama’s emotional composure also requires refinement following his first-ever playoff run. Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 14 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for refinement

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of refinement was circa 1611

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Refinement.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/refinement. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

refinement

noun
re·​fine·​ment ri-ˈfīn-mənt How to pronounce refinement (audio)
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

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