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

• ameliorate
• amend
• better
• enhance
• enrich
• help
• improve
• meliorate
• perfect
• upgrade

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

Specifically, the Smart Picture Max tech uses AI algorithms to refine the color, contrast, and sharpness across the images in real-time. —Michael Kan, PCMAG, 10 Apr. 2024

All three groups are expected to spend the next year refining their concepts before presenting them to NASA, reports Space.com. —Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 8 Apr. 2024

Three other companies had already refused Mr. Compton’s request — to begin refining uranium for the development of the bomb. —Catie Edmondson, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2024

Meteorologists continue to refine their forecasts for the total solar eclipse, and now have a pretty good idea of where the spectacle will be most (and least) visible. —Doyle Rice, USA TODAY, 6 Apr. 2024

In order to refine his influence efforts, Moon founded the Washington Times newspaper, whose first issue was published the day before his conviction, turning it into a must-read among conservatives, including President Ronald Reagan. —TIME, 4 Apr. 2024

MVNOs stand at the forefront of this revolution, providing businesses with a wealth of data that can be harnessed to tailor services, refine marketing strategies and enhance customer engagement. —Martin Petkov, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024

Meta will likely continue refining these features as time goes on. —Emma Roth, The Verge, 28 Mar. 2024

Yet, raw power is refined by precision in the AquaSense. —William Mullane, USA TODAY, 1 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

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