refine

verb

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re·fine | \ ri-ˈfīn

refined; refining

Definition of refine

transitive verb

1 : to free (something, such as metal, sugar, or oil) from impurities or unwanted material

2 : to free from moral imperfection : elevate

3 : to improve or perfect by pruning or polishing refine a poetic style

4 : to reduce in vigor or intensity

5 : to free from what is coarse, vulgar, or uncouth

intransitive verb

1 : to become pure or perfected

2 : to make improvement by introducing subtleties or distinctions

Other Words from refine Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about refine

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Synonyms & Antonyms for refine

Synonyms

Antonyms

worsen

Examples of refine in a Sentence

The inventor of the machine spent years refining the design. The class is meant to help you refine your writing style.

Recent Examples on the Web Building prototypes would help operators, developers and regulators refine designs, assess environmental impacts, measure project costs and benefits, and evaluate how these systems perform. — Brandi Mckuin, The Conversation, "Installing solar panels over California’s canals could yield water, land, air and climate payoffs," 3 May 2021 Now, the Bears must refine those talents into NFL production. — Nathan Baird, cleveland, "Can Justin Fields be the NFL franchise quarterback the Chicago Bears and Ohio State both need?," 30 Apr. 2021 Our aim is to re energize and revitalize tissue and skin cells to tone, refine, relax and cleanse your body and face through gentle yet efficient skin stimulation. — Monica Mendal, Forbes, "How Anna Zahn Of Ricari Studios Is Revolutionizing The Self-Care Industry," 21 Apr. 2021 Having that time to be able to figure things out, to be able to really refine things, that’s definitely one of the privileges that this time gave me. — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, "Brockhampton Is Ready to Leave a Hell of a Legacy Behind," 14 Apr. 2021 Scientists were able to refine Apophis’ orbit around the sun thanks to radar observations earlier this month, when the asteroid passed within 10.6 million miles (17 million kilometers). — Marcia Dunn, orlandosentinel.com, "NASA gives all clear: Earth safe from asteroid for 100 years," 29 Mar. 2021 My experience traveling around the world has helped refine my skills when creating and plating a dish. — Kimberly Wilson, Essence, "Meet The Black Chef Who Is Revitalizing Northern Virginia’s Food Scene," 22 Apr. 2021 All of their actions are captured and used to refine recommendations. — Tom Davenport, Forbes, "The Future Of Work Now: AI-Assisted Clothing Stylists At Stitch Fix," 12 Mar. 2021 Williams can further refine his three-point shooting and play as a true stretch four. — oregonlive, "Who replaces Chris Duarte, Eugene Omoruyi for Oregon men’s basketball in 2021-22?," 6 Apr. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'refine.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.