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

• advance
• advancement
• breakthrough
• enhancement
• improvement

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

If your priority is peaceful refinement, these Genesis sedans are quietly persuasive contenders. —New Atlas, 22 June 2025

The undrafted, 6-8 Jones had enough juice to uncork 27 dunks in 308 minutes but otherwise didn’t show enough refinement as an offensive player or enough impact as a defender to warrant rostering. 42. —John Hollinger, New York Times, 21 June 2025

Editing some things down and just keeping the refinement. —Essence, 18 June 2025

The refinement of Chef Vianney Massot’s French cuisine seems to glide toward diners with lightness and grace. —Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 16 June 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