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 of refinement

• 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

Even before adolescence, the youth themselves are performing refinement—an early initiation into the aesthetics of conspicuous consumption. —Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 9 Nov. 2025

The palette—natural stone, warm wood, and polished metal—balances contemporary minimalism with classic refinement. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 7 Nov. 2025

This emphasis on both design purity and technical refinement elevates the Sweptail beyond a typical bespoke build. —Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2025

Authority officials have indicated that the new design refinements aim to reduce property acquisitions and emphasized that the changes would not affect traffic or residential properties, while minimizing business impacts. —Daniel Orton, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 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