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

Meeting strict aviation standards Project lead Qin Daochun said the development process required careful testing and refinement. —Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 5 Mar. 2026

Lance is older and needs route-work refinement, but being a Jerricho Cotchery or taller Rashid Shaheed is in play. —Jake Ciely, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026

Interactive refinement tools suggest alternative phrasing, helping users improve clarity and consistency. —Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 4 Mar. 2026

The city plans to review the census questionnaire and tracts for refinement, according to a staff report. —Hannah Elsmore, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Mar. 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