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

Further refinement of accumulation totals expected as the event nears. —Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 28 Nov. 2025

On the Yankees, that lack of refinement means Jones likely isn't ready to play in an outfield that already includes Aaron Judge, Trent Grisham, and Jasson Domínguez, and might soon include Cody Bellinger for a second straight year. —Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2025

Standout elements of her makeup look included bold eyebrows, lined eyes and a muted pink lip for overall simplicity and refinement. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 26 Nov. 2025

Tonight, everything is about refinement. —Mecca Pryor, Essence, 26 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