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

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra brings a faster chip, redesigned thermal cooling, and better battery life, but these refinements may feel too incremental for existing Tab S11 Ultra owners. — Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 30 Sep. 2026

Together, these layers help leaders decide where an agent can take on more responsibility, where its work needs refinement and where intervention is needed before a problematic pattern becomes embedded in an important workflow. — Hanah-Marie Darley, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026

The same precision, refinement and attention to detail that define its hyper sports cars is thus reimagined for an exquisite residential environment. — Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 26 Sep. 2026

The focus shifts away from the sitter’s individuality and toward the richness and refinement of his attire, which undoubtedly conveys his status and pride. — Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 25 Sep. 2026

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