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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
Related Articles All over the bodice, but most certainly the skirt of the dress, flouncy, delicate feathers were featured in abundance, giving the overall design a distinctly textural and playful feel that was still refined and elegant. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 16 Sep. 2026 The impact is expected to persist through the weekend, adding fresh supply anxieties to a global refined products market that is already tightly constrained. — CNBC, 16 Sep. 2026
Verb
Automakers like Toyota have refined their hybrid powertrain systems over the years to ensure that vehicles can travel incredibly long distances on a single tank of gas. — Charles Singh, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026 Another summer signing, Bazoumana Toure, has a similar ability to Fernandez-Pardo to stand up a defender in a one-vs-one, even if the other parts of his game are not as refined. — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 9 Sep. 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
  • The Rebels jumped out to a commanding 24-7 lead in the first half before the Tigers scored 17 unanswered points to knot things up and set the scene for a fourth quarter that could only be described as pure cinema.
    — Mark Harris OutKick, FOXNews.com, 20 Sep. 2026
  • To see the picture earlier this month was to witness pure, untempered joy.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of pure
Adjective
  • Fresh pasta made daily, like spaghetti with Burgundy truffles, cultured butter and parmigiano espuma or paccheri al Campagnolo with Maine lobster, tomatoes, capers and olives.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 15 Sep. 2026
  • To determine whether there's a bacterial infection, that urine must be cultured.
    — Meghan Rabbitt, NPR, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of cultured
Adjective
  • The menu is helmed by Tyler Heckman, a Connecticut native who cut his teeth in New York, and is elegant and thoughtfully sourced but approachable.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Related Articles All over the bodice, but most certainly the skirt of the dress, flouncy, delicate feathers were featured in abundance, giving the overall design a distinctly textural and playful feel that was still refined and elegant.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of elegant
Adjective
  • Rey’s directing style keeps the spirit of Mumblecore cinema while bringing it into the immediate present, injecting subtle political commentary into naturalistic scenes.
    — Jourdain Searles, HollywoodReporter, 16 Sep. 2026
  • In other New York Fashion Week shows, like TWP and Proenza Schouler, fashion’s adjacent garden shoe trend took a more subtle approach.
    — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of subtle
Adjective
  • Just off of World Center Drive, Caribe Royale Orlando is an exquisite property, complete with eight dining experiences; a pool, waterfall, waterslide, and splash pad; sports court; convention center; and fishing pier.
    — Kimberly Zapata, Parents, 18 Sep. 2026
  • The result is a strange, bewitching experiment in autobiography, in which there are no friendships or love affairs, just exquisite digressions on life-changing texts.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of exquisite
Adjective
  • Still, drugmakers are increasingly homing in on narrower and potentially more accurate drug targets as science reveals more of cancer's remarkable molecular diversity.
    — Arthur Allen, CBS News, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Relevant facts can be included to help create an accurate account.
    — Matthew Kayser, Miami Herald, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of accurate
Verb
  • Davenport owns Heirlooms Antique Mall along Havana Street and says crime around his stores has improved over the years, but theft has not disappeared.
    — Tori Mason, CBS News, 17 Sep. 2026
  • To try and stretch their funds, Thompson assessed their budget to see what could be removed or improved.
    — Ryley Amond, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of improved

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refine
refined
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Cite this Entry

“Refined.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refined. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.

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