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
Susi Singer’s figurative candlestick has style and sass that owes at least partly to its earthenware origins, favored at the Werkstätte for its affordability over porcelain, but much less capable of refined shapes. — Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 24 Aug. 2026 Recommended by Our Editors For fitness tracking, refined GPS software can track your location more precisely through tall buildings. — Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026
Verb
Every material has been selected to age gracefully, while subtle craftsmanship and tactile finishes ensure that interiors are refined without ever feeling ostentatious. — Nick Scott, Robb Report, 22 Aug. 2026 These modern stacks are refined and considered, moving away from past loud styles, focusing on making excess look intentional. — Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 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
  • 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
  • Chef Cristian Medrano’s menu exudes confidence in the form of evolved flavors with every dish.
    — Rafael Peña, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026
Definition of evolved
Adjective
  • Over time, no existing civilization has remained ethnically or culturally pure or set in the same borders.
    — Leonard A. Schuette, Foreign Affairs, 25 Aug. 2026
  • There’s nothing slavishly authentic here, but the recipes’ bones are pure Mexico.
    — Scott Hocker, TheWeek, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of pure
Adjective
  • Crème fraîche is a slightly tangy cultured cream with around 30% fat.
    — Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Aug. 2026
  • For instance, in the Hartford student apartments, generous-sized, bathroom vanities with double sinks are topped with cultured marble.
    — Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of cultured
Adjective
  • Yeah, just continue and figure out elegant ways to catch up with everyone, like catch up with what’s been happening in the last year.
    — Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The couple recently tied the knot in an elegant ceremony in Sicily at the historic Villa Valguarnera near Palermo on June 6, after officially marrying in London’s Marylebone Town Hall in advance.
    — Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of elegant
Adjective
  • Greenspan was renowned for his formidable data-crunching capabilities, sharp reading of market psychology, and subtle, often elusive communication style.
    — , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The cabin interiors are built from a lovely blonde wood, which was aesthetically pleasing, if a little creaky at times, while the white linens on the comfortable queen bed were a subtle reminder that this is a luxury accommodation.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of subtle
Adjective
  • The narrative is punctuated by prose-poems about the water conditions during her swims, which varied enormously from day to day and month to month, sometimes exquisite, sometimes terrifying.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Unlike the first one, though, this features an exquisite metal body and a more elegant design reminiscent of some top-end BlackBerry phones of yore.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of exquisite
Adjective
  • However, El Niños of the past are not necessarily an accurate guide to El Niños of the future, experts say.
    — Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The defense firm says the missile uses an advanced navigation system and is exceptionally accurate.
    — Sylvia Hui, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of accurate
Verb
  • Beijing’s endorsement of DeepSeek and Liang has also helped open doors and improved their access to marquee listings.
    — Anniek Bao,Elaine Yu, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Robinson’s ability to set the edge in the run game seems much improved.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 27 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 29 Aug. 2026.

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