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
In 2012, the couple opened Rich Table as a break from stuffier environs — a restaurant that put refinement on the plate instead of in the tablecloth, band tees welcome.
—
Cesar Hernandez, San Francisco Chronicle, 27 Mar. 2026
The observed activity could instead reflect internal neural processes, such as refinement of camouflage abilities.
—Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2026
The observed activity could instead reflect internal neural processes such as refinement of camouflage abilities.
—Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 27 Mar. 2026
The verdict The JW Marriott Tokyo confidently blends understated style with a sense of Japanese refinement, and the result is a tranquil, enchanting space in the beating heart of one of the world’s most intoxicating cities.
—Stephen Kelly, TheWeek, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for refinement
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Cesar Hernandez, San Francisco Chronicle, 27 Mar. 2026
The observed activity could instead reflect internal neural processes, such as refinement of camouflage abilities.
—Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2026
The observed activity could instead reflect internal neural processes such as refinement of camouflage abilities.
—Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 27 Mar. 2026
The verdict The JW Marriott Tokyo confidently blends understated style with a sense of Japanese refinement, and the result is a tranquil, enchanting space in the beating heart of one of the world’s most intoxicating cities.
—Stephen Kelly, TheWeek, 26 Mar. 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 1 Apr. 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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