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

• 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

However, as your company matures, the most successful path forward is through refinement. —Hamid Kohan, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025

These are the etiquette rules that some folks said could use a little refinement within today’s context. —Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 16 Aug. 2025

Named after Hennessy Paradis, one of the Maison’s most refined cognac expressions, the Paradis Suite is a bespoke, multi-sensory environment that pays homage to the values of artistry, refinement, and timelessness. —Skylar Mitchell, Essence, 11 Aug. 2025

So, the owner and principal of Muskoka Living set out to craft a family oasis from the ground up—one that would seamlessly mesh refinement and comfort. —Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 10 Aug. 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