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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
Inside is Blancpain’s automatic caliber 615, introduced in 1995 and refined over the following three decades. — Taylor Stoddard, Robb Report, 17 Sep. 2026 The interior of the Crosstrek feels functional, and premium materials in the final configuration make its cabin more refined. — Charles Singh, USA Today, 15 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
  • 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 Art Nouveau interiors, featuring mosaics and furnishings designed by leading artists and artisans of the era, evoke an elegant and cosmopolitan Milan, while at the bar, the Campari seltzer remains the house specialty.
    — Emma Bocchi, Vogue, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Lee’s lines have the intimacy and metaphysical heft of prayer; their elegant recursions and repetitions call to mind the cycles of life, death, and rebirth.
    — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of elegant
Adjective
  • The comic tension embodies Cassavetes’ approach to the entire film, which involved some not-so-subtle manipulation of his actors behind the scenes.
    — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 23 Sep. 2026
  • And just like her clothes and accessories serve as a subtle nod to the '90s, so does her beauty look.
    — Marci Robin, Allure, 23 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
  • While the ceasefire halted the heaviest fighting and humanitarian conditions have improved, the Israeli military has expanded its control of Gaza and now occupies some 60% of the territory.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Haddow, a senior fellow on public policy with the association, said he's heard numerous people tell lawmakers over the years how kratom has improved their lives.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of improved

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refine
refined
refinement
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Cite this Entry

“Refined.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refined. Accessed 25 Sep. 2026.

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