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

• 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

And even for complex coding projects like the ones studied, the researchers are also optimistic that further refinement of AI tools could lead to future efficiency gains for programmers. —ArsTechnica, 14 July 2025

The collection is designed with Hot Wheels fans in mind, yet also features a distinct air of refinement. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 14 July 2025

After nearly three years of discussion and refinement, plans have been submitted to the city of San Diego for a pair of monument signs to mark La Jolla’s Bird Rock area. —Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 July 2025

Subtle refinements are only the start of the upgrades. —PC Magazine, 19 June 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