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

The base spirit undergoes three distillation cycles to achieve purity and refinement. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025

Hamilton has a minor-league option remaining, and it’s reached the point where the front office has to consider sending him to Triple A for refinement. —Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 8 June 2025

Whether performing full-mouth restorations or subtle refinements, Dr. Bri’s work changes lives—one smile at a time. —Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 5 June 2025

There was no quintessential American, so Twain imagined him: a wily rube, cynical toward the same refinements of Europe that inspired awe in him. —Caity Weaver, The Atlantic, 5 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