refined 1 of 2

adjective

ri-ˈfīnd How to pronounce refined (audio)
Definition of refinednext
1
as in evolved
being far along in development a refined analysis of the factors that produce economic wealth in the new global economy

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2
as in pure
free from added matter refined gold

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3
as in cultured
having or showing a taste for the fine arts and gracious living a refined couple who have hosted many elegant benefits for organizations promoting the arts

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4
as in elegant
having or showing elegance a refined woman with gracious manners

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5
as in subtle
made or done with extreme care and accuracy the dressmaker took a set of quite refined measurements before actually starting work

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6
as in exquisite
satisfying or pleasing because of fineness or mildness the chef's refined cuisine is one that true gourmets will appreciate

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7
as in accurate
meeting the highest standard of accuracy this is not a refined calculation of the total number of calories in the dish—just a rough estimate

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refined

2 of 2

verb

past tense of refine
as in improved
to make better worked on refining her backhand before the big tennis match

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of refined
Adjective
The other is a savvy tactician whose game centers on commanding his fastball, vexing hitters with his splitter and working in a refined slider. — Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 26 July 2026 For example, someone with Type 2 diabetes can benefit from eating fewer foods with refined carbohydrates, such as cookies, candies and sodas, and more foods high in fiber, protein and fats to stabilize their blood sugar. — Minakshi Raj, The Conversation, 24 July 2026
Verb
According to Archer, Halo leverages technologies refined through nearly eight years of electric aircraft research and testing. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 23 July 2026 Its interior is refined, and its quality is practically unmatched. — Charles Singh, USA Today, 22 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for refined
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refined
  1. evolved
  2. pure
  3. cultured
  4. elegant
  5. subtle
  6. exquisite
  7. accurate
  8. improved
Adjective
  • Chef Cristian Medrano’s menu exudes confidence in the form of evolved flavors with every dish.
    — Rafael Peña, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026
  • This evolved mission mandates more than technology alone.
    — Kevin Cohee, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
Definition of evolved
Adjective
  • By the logic of pure procurement, AI bills should be shrinking.
    — Roman Shemet, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • The pure thermal spring water contains postbiotic microflora, which can calm the skin and reduce redness.
    — Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 21 July 2026
Definition of pure
Adjective
  • The necklace is made up of 178 diamonds totaling about 52 carats and another seven South Sea cultured pearls.
    — Marta Martínez Tato, Vanity Fair, 23 July 2026
  • The collapse of the Gulf pearling industry — which began in the late 1920s on the arrival of cheaper Japanese cultured pearls — brought widespread poverty to the region, until the discovery of oil shortly after.
    — Kelsey Warner, semafor.com, 15 July 2026
Definition of cultured
Adjective
  • Barbie’s hair choices, too, are ever so composed and elegant.
    — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 29 July 2026
  • All drinks are presented with an elegant touch that makes the experience feel special every time.
    — USA TODAY NETWORK, USA Today, 29 July 2026
Definition of elegant
Adjective
  • Unsurprisingly, employees find both subtle and significant ways to reclaim their independence.
    — Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • To finish, the server will build a tableside Hong Kong Milk Tea Tiramisu, with milk tea mascarpone Chantilly cream and lady fingers, served with a cup of subtle Hong Kong milk tea.
    — Connie Ogle July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
Definition of subtle
Adjective
  • The transfer here is as exquisite as any of Warner Archive’s releases, and there are some juicy extras for Crawford fans in the form of original radio broadcasts featuring the star (there’s also a documentary on MGM executive Irving Thalberg).
    — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 28 July 2026
  • Having eaten nearly every possible version of lobster over the past few days, there was something special about feasting on local mushrooms and indulging in a dozen exquisite Maine oysters.
    — Dinaw Mengestu, Travel + Leisure, 28 July 2026
Definition of exquisite
Adjective
  • Sharad said regulators are also using AI to identify inaccurate filings and repeat offenders more quickly, making accurate customs data increasingly important as tariff policies continue evolving.
    — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 3 Aug. 2026
  • For Orlando families, workers and businesses, the practical response begins with accurate records, a clear plan and a realistic understanding of how immigration agencies and court proceedings can intersect.
    — Ascend Agency, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of accurate
Verb
  • Math scores in Fort Worth ISD and across Tarrant County have not improved as much as reading scores in recent years.
    — Samuel O’Neal July 31, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 2026
  • Estrogen-containing therapies are linked to not only decreased cardiovascular and all-cause mortality among younger patients, but also to improved quality of life.
    — Versha Pleasant, The Conversation, 30 July 2026
Definition of improved

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Cite this Entry

“Refined.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refined. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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