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 of refine

• 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

Its guidance architecture helps the weapon refine its targeting information during flight. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 11 Nov. 2026

Historically, much of the world’s bullion moved through London and Switzerland, where large gold bars were traded or refined before being shipped to Asian markets. — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 11 Nov. 2026

Still, the 6-foot-3, 245-pound sophomore has continued refining his pass-rushing technique and came within a hair of recording sacks each of the past two games. — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Nov. 2026

So, the refining shortfall has been absorbed by sinking global demand – for gas, diesel and the oil that would otherwise be refined into fuel. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 11 Nov. 2026

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
• brucine
• byline

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