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
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
Sepulveda rail transit project advances Although far from being fully realized, the Sepulveda Transit Corridor Project made a key advancement in January, setting in motion further refinement of its design and addressing costs for the project.
—
Paris Barraza, USA Today, 6 Feb. 2026
Referencing the Korean moon jar, a monumental lily and an aerodynamic automotive prototype, the collection traced a progression from origin to transformation to forward motion, proposing innovation as refinement rather than rupture.
—Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 6 Feb. 2026
The early 20th century heyday of electric cars At the turn of the 20th century, electric cars were symbols of refinement and technological progress, popular in wealthy urban neighborhoods.
—Bill Gourgey, Popular Science, 5 Feb. 2026
With spring break just weeks away, Meiner said the city's approach will largely mirror last year's effort to curb unruly crowds, though some refinements are in the works.
—Abby Dodge, CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for refinement
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Paris Barraza, USA Today, 6 Feb. 2026
Referencing the Korean moon jar, a monumental lily and an aerodynamic automotive prototype, the collection traced a progression from origin to transformation to forward motion, proposing innovation as refinement rather than rupture.
—Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 6 Feb. 2026
The early 20th century heyday of electric cars At the turn of the 20th century, electric cars were symbols of refinement and technological progress, popular in wealthy urban neighborhoods.
—Bill Gourgey, Popular Science, 5 Feb. 2026
With spring break just weeks away, Meiner said the city's approach will largely mirror last year's effort to curb unruly crowds, though some refinements are in the works.
—Abby Dodge, CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for refinement
Cite this Entry
“Refinement.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/refinement. Accessed 7 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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