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
On the contrary, even its most outlandish and grotesque inventions are portrayed tastefully, with a sheen of aesthetic refinement that turns the most intensely emotional moments into emblems of emotion.
—
Richard Brody, New Yorker, 18 Feb. 2026
Many of the technologies entering curling are, in many ways, benign—tools for analysis, accessibility, and incremental refinement rather than wholesale disruption.
—IEEE Spectrum, 18 Feb. 2026
His technique will require refinement (and patience), but his impressive blend of size (6-6, 330) and athleticism is worth a shot for a team in the beginning stages of a rebuild.
—Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026
From there, refinement becomes the real work.
—Michele Zanello, Rolling Stone, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for refinement
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Richard Brody, New Yorker, 18 Feb. 2026
Many of the technologies entering curling are, in many ways, benign—tools for analysis, accessibility, and incremental refinement rather than wholesale disruption.
—IEEE Spectrum, 18 Feb. 2026
His technique will require refinement (and patience), but his impressive blend of size (6-6, 330) and athleticism is worth a shot for a team in the beginning stages of a rebuild.
—Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026
From there, refinement becomes the real work.
—Michele Zanello, Rolling Stone, 17 Feb. 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 22 Feb. 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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