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
European Union countries committed about 92 million barrels, a promise weighted toward refined products made from crude such as diesel. — Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026 Scout’s vehicle lineup The Scout Traveler SUV Mountainside concept pairs heavy-duty off-road capability with a refined design, featuring 22-inch wheels, 35-inch tires, charcoal-brown paint with gold accents and a sunroof. — Chase Jordan october 3, Charlotte Observer, 3 Oct. 2026
Verb
The new direction is refined but touchable, with thoughtful shape, movement and structure. — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2026 More than a trend color, French Press Coffee is an elevated neutral with enough dimension to anchor a space while staying soft, livable, and refined. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 1 Oct. 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
  • Chandra spotted 84 suspicious object emitting very low-energy X-rays in six galaxies – four evolved ellipticals and two spirals, namely our near-neighbor the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) and the Pinwheel Galaxy (M101).
    — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Dylan gives a subtle warning for Alex to stay away from Kylie, but Alex was still close to confessing his evolved feelings for her.
    — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of evolved
Adjective
  • Kerry’s pure love for her son despite his precarious origins is a meaningful emotional fulcrum.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Individually, the songs on Beat were largely recognizable in the broader indie rock world—post-rock and shoegaze live alongside torchy trip-hop and pure ambient.
    — Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of pure
Adjective
  • Too obviously the gift of someone trying to seem casually cultured?
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2026
  • As the war wound down, Olivier was becoming more obsessed with directing, often counting on Leigh as his cultured, measured adviser.
    — Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of cultured
Adjective
  • The iconic Fifth Avenue landmark has been turned into luxury apartments—one of which has been given a local’s elegant touch.
    — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Al Mubarak was an elegant, articulate embodiment of a project many saw as an extension of Abu Dhabi soft power as much as a sheikh’s personal investment.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of elegant
Adjective
  • In Lepecki’s account, the gesture again demonstrated that stillness in dance always vibrates with subtle motion.
    — Sophie Landres, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Against a backdrop of wilting flowers that left a subtle funk in the air, designer Glenn Martens once again put forth ideas that challenged conventions of beautiful clothing.
    — Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of subtle
Adjective
  • There’s no end of things to do here—an athletic club, frequent cultural events, and an exquisite spa.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Played with exquisite, improbably expressive steeliness by Florence Pugh, Cathy does not awaken from nowhere as a predator.
    — Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of exquisite
Adjective
  • An in-home assessment can help identify which windows require replacement and provide more accurate project pricing.
    — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Athletic directors and coaches have been scrambling to make sure players are eligible and parental paperwork is accurate.
    — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of accurate
Verb
  • The Ravens are too good at home; the Titans are improved but still struggling to move the ball.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The existing driveway would be improved to separate arena traffic from police department traffic.
    — Camryn Dadey, Sacbee.com, 1 Oct. 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 8 Oct. 2026.

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