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
But despite their widespread popularity, many people wonder whether English muffins are actually a healthy choice or simply another refined grain best enjoyed in moderation. — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026 The Beats Studio Pro headphones deliver rich bass with bright highs, thanks to a new internal driver with a two-layer diaphragm, refined micro-venting, and extra-strong magnets that create a pleasing mix for your ears. — Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026
Verb
Quince, our editors’ favorite rich-girl brand, has refined picks that are easy to wear on repeat through fall, starting at $20. — Olivia Cigliano, InStyle, 1 Aug. 2026 In the long run, electric vehicles can displace the oil that is refined into fuel for the internal combustion engine. — Justin Worland, Time, 31 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 producing pure, highly concentrated molecules that mimic the skin’s natural functions, Lewisham claims her products are more consistent, precise and sustainable.
    — Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Reese and Styles were this draft’s best athletes, and there were other safeties in this class with better physical attributes, but Downs was the best pure football player in the class.
    — Nick Baumgardner, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of pure
Adjective
  • As joint capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire from 1873 to 1918, Budapest was one of the liveliest, most cultured, and prosperous cities in Europe; that golden era saw the construction of grand boulevards and numerous splendid buildings.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
  • 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
Definition of cultured
Adjective
  • Its interior design matches the vibe, with elegant period-style design complemented by touches of country life—riding boots placed beside a cast-iron fireguard inside, terracotta pots next to Victorian wrought-iron chairs on the outdoor patio.
    — Katie Silcox, Vogue, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Follow what feels elegant, interesting, and horizon-widening.
    — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of elegant
Adjective
  • The herbal shiso adds a subtle savory depth, delivering a clean, refreshing balance to the textures and flavor.
    — Angela Hansberger, AJC.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Ask someone to review a two-hour video and identify subtle violations, and they are almost guaranteed to miss something.
    — Tal Lev-Ami, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of subtle
Adjective
  • The exquisite scenery is also one of the show’s biggest pulls.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 7 Aug. 2026
  • At the San Sebastian property, the excellent restaurants, exquisite interior design, and passion for detail—all hallmarks of the brand—blend in like never before with a maritime landscape that hypnotizes its guests at any time of day.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 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
  • The red-hot Red Sox won their eighth straight and 10th of 11 and improved to 31-5 in their last 36 games.
    — LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Research has shown a link between free meal programs and learning, including a 2021 Brookings Institution study that found math performance improved in school districts that qualified for the National School Lunch program.
    — Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 6 Aug. 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 11 Aug. 2026.

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