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 company’s second vessel, Oro II, is scheduled to launch in February 2027, with seven rooms and the same refined hospitality as past guests have come to expect. — Susan B. Barnes, Travel + Leisure, 29 Oct. 2026 And while her new partnership with stylist Law Roach has ushered in a more refined era of archival fashion, some things are simply too good to give up. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 28 Oct. 2026
Verb
The company has also refined the transmission and final-drive system, claiming smoother, quieter operation and cleaner gear changes. — New Atlas, 4 Nov. 2026 The farmhouse kitchen pairs refined white cabinetry with a natural-wood island and a centerpiece brick hood over the range. — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 4 Nov. 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
  • Electricity turned on the lights, revolutionized manufacturing, and upended our evolved biorhythms.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Whatever that means, the front fascia is given an evolved version of the old signature Opel Vizor, but now reimagined as a sweeping high-tech glass panel.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of evolved
Adjective
  • However, removing these roses frees up space, reduces fungal disease and makes room for vigorous varieties that bring pure joy.
    — Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Nov. 2026
  • But with Anthropic poised to become the first pure-play AI company to hit the public market, minting a number of new billionaires and many more millionaires in the process, a heightened level of scrutiny is coming.
    — Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of pure
Adjective
  • Rockefeller’s strict diet of both fresh and cultured milk, vegetables, and animals raised on his own land was written about in his later years.
    — The Editors, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Everything is impeccably curated and cultured, like a museum or gallery come to life.
    — Tim Chan, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of cultured
Adjective
  • The sinking marks a bittersweet coda to the era of gleaming behemoths that crossed the seas in elegant fashion.
    — Henry Larson, NPR, 12 Nov. 2026
  • Lack of crown aside (which, TBH, would be a bit much for an elegant small dinner), Tyler's makeup also felt extremely Arwen-esque.
    — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of elegant
Adjective
  • It is mounted on a wristband and detects the subtle changes in the skin caused when fingertips press against the forearm.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Trump has not been subtle about his desire to restart diplomacy with Kim.
    — Stephen E. Biegun, Foreign Affairs, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of subtle
Adjective
  • Underneath that exquisite exterior sat a 1195cc, 75-degree V-twin engine producing approximately 200 hp.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Sophie Bille Brahe’s exquisite pearl drop earrings would bring any jewelry lover joy for the holidays.
    — Mekaylah Yowpp-Hernacki, Vogue, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of exquisite
Adjective
  • An accurate travel insurance comparison accounts for multiple factors.
    — Matt Richardson, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026
  • The database was developed using portions of a commercially available version of California’s voter rolls that the government acknowledged might not be entirely accurate.
    — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of accurate
Verb
  • Frequently cited pitfalls of AI, including accuracy issues, have significantly improved over earlier iterations of platforms such as Anthropic’s Claude or OpenAI.
    — S. Sorrina Beecher, Chicago Tribune, 13 Nov. 2026
  • Several depleted parks have been rewilded; Africa’s first cross-border avitourism project, the Great Kavango Zambezi Birding Route, was recently launched; and connectivity improved—Shearzone Safari launched a charter service in Zambia in early 2026.
    — Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Nov. 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 13 Nov. 2026.

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