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 best gel nail polishes require minimal maintenance, are practically chip-proof, and add an extra touch of refinement. —Taryn Brooke, Glamour, 16 Dec. 2025

The Xi-Macron meeting in Chengdu also signaled a refinement of Chinese soft power, moving away from the combative rhetoric of recent years toward a strategy that embraces warmer ties with key European powers like France. —Xianda Huang, The Conversation, 15 Dec. 2025

Tory Burch Romy A sleek take on the classic bucket bag, the Romy bag is Tory Burch’s answer to everyday refinement. —Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 15 Dec. 2025

OpenAI now aims to reclaim leadership while addressing internal pressure from employees who reportedly wanted more time for refinement. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 11 Dec. 2025

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