SINCE 1828

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refinement

noun re·fine·ment \ ri-ˈfīn-mənt \

Definition of refinement

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

See refinement defined for English-language learners

See refinement defined for kids

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 of refinement from the Web

The research team wants dog breeders to send more puppies with spina bifida to UC Davis for treatment and refinements that will help researchers correct another hallmark of spina bifida, incontinence.

— cathy locke, sacbee, "Puppies receive stem cell treatment developed to help children with spina bifida," 24 Aug. 2017
The Accord's quiet, comfort and overall refinement are standouts in the segment and may even give a few entry-level luxury cars a run for their money.

— matt jones, edmunds, USA TODAY, "Edmunds: Good deals for car shoppers on Labor Day weekend," 23 Aug. 2017
Some of refinements include more — much more — soundproofing materials, a 15-percent stiffer chassis and a suspension recalibrated for a more compliant ride with less road noise transferred to the cabin.

— mark maynard, sandiegouniontribune.com, "2017 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring," 18 Aug. 2017
That said, the scientists do think that their findings, with some refinement, could one day be used on humans.

— jay willis, GQ, "Just Smelling Tasty Food Might Be Making You Gain Weight," 18 July 2017
Where assembled: Ulsan, Korea The downside Several of my test car’s features could use refinement.

— mark phelan, Detroit Free Press, "2017 Hyundai Ioniq electric car is long on features, short on range," 12 July 2017
Highway Range In Depth: 2017 Toyota Prius Performance and Driving Impressions Rating: The Prius offers little in the way of driving enjoyment and refinement, and acceleration runs will give you time to ponder the meaning of life.

— annie white, Car and Driver, "2017 Toyota Prius," 10 July 2017
Moreover, our descriptions of scents lack refinement, perhaps suggesting disinterest, a focus elsewhere.

— michael engelhard, Alaska Dispatch News, "An ode to Alaska odors," 1 July 2017
One year would bring an iPhone with an all-new design, and the next year would bring a refinement of that design with faster internals and other new tweaks.

— andrew cunningham, Ars Technica, "10 years of the iPhone, and 10 years of iPhone reviews," 30 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'refinement.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of refinement

circa 1611

refinement Synonyms

Synonyms

advancement, breakthrough, enhancement, improvement, advance

Antonyms

setback

Related Words

quantum leap; amelioration, boost, heightening, increase, melioration, strengthening, upgrade, uplift, upswing, uptrend, upturn; betterment, development, elaboration, evolution, expansion, gestation, growth, maturation, perfection, ripening; civilization, edification, education, enlightenment; renaissance, renascence, revival; discovery, find, windfall; innovation, invention

Near Antonyms

breakdown, collapse, crash; hindrance, impediment, stumbling block; decadence, decay, declension, decline, decrease, degeneration, descent, deterioration, diminishment, downgrade, ebbing, failing, flagging, languishment, lapse, lessening, reduction, sinking, slowing, weakening, worsening; detriment, disablement, drawback, glitch, impairment, shortcoming

REFINEMENT Defined for English Language Learners

refinement

noun

Definition of refinement for English Language Learners

: the act or process of removing unwanted substances from something : the act or process of making something pure
: the act or process of improving something
: an improved version of something

REFINEMENT Defined for Kids

refinement

noun re·fine·ment \ ri-ˈfīn-mənt \

Definition of refinement for Students

1 :the act or process of improving something or bringing something to a pure state

refinement of sugar

2 :excellence of manners or tastes

a person of refinement

3 :a small change meant to improve something

Learn More about refinement

See words that rhyme with refinement Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for refinement Spanish Central: Translation of refinement Nglish: Translation of refinement for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of refinement for Arabic speakers

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Examples: refinement in a Sentence