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 theme reflected the creative process of creating a fashion collection itself — and the journey of experimentation, refinement and personal growth to create a personal expression. — Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 14 July 2026

Both of these projects are still quite early and will need further refinements to add important elements like enemy logic, music, and weapon selection. — Kyle Orland, ArsTechnica, 13 July 2026

The overarching method involves rigorous testing and iterative refinement of prompts. — Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

With minor refinements to the individual perovskite films, the efficiency of this lightweight architecture could easily sail past 30 percent. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 9 July 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