refine

verb

re·​fine ri-ˈfīn 

refined; refining

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

refiner noun

Synonyms

• improve
• enhance

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

The most common form is white table sugar, which is highly refined. —Morgan Pearson, Verywell Health, 6 Aug. 2025

In a Facebook post, Rep. Kim Holloway, R-Mayfield, expressed regret over voting in favor of SB 181 and said lawmakers should have taken more time to refine the language of the law. —Ruby Grisin, The Courier-Journal, 6 Aug. 2025

The lightweight, noncomedogenic formula features a low dose of salicylic acid and lipo-hydroxy acids, which work together to penetrate breakouts, refine large pores, and increase skin cell turnover. —Ariel Wodarcyk, Glamour, 6 Aug. 2025

Some of the Russian crude oil sent to India is then refined and exported back out to other countries – because sanctions on Moscow don’t include products refined outside Russia. —Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for refine

• affine
• airline
• align
• aline
• assign
• baseline
• beamline
• benign
• bloodline
• bovine
• byline
• canine

Kids Definition

refine

verb

re·​fine ri-ˈfīn 

refined; refining

1

: to come or bring to a pure state

refine sugar

2

: to make or become improved

3

: to free from what is vulgar

4

: to improve by introducing something that makes a small difference

refined upon the older methods

refiner noun

Medical Definition

refine

transitive verb

re·​fine ri-ˈfīn 

refined; refining

: to free (as sugar or oil) from impurities or unwanted material