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 restaurant’s interior features plush velvet, leather and touches of gold throughout, creating a refined space without feeling stuffy. — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 25 Sep. 2026 Lace them criss-crossed up your foot and ankle, or in a simple crossover that wraps multiple times at the ankle for a more refined look. — Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 24 Sep. 2026
Verb
Pantoja said Van has changed since December, highlighting the fight against Taira and noting the champion has refined aspects of his fighting style. — Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026 The combination of technology was developed to deliver an exceptionally soft and comfortable ride, while the overall construction was carefully refined to create a premium experience from the moment runners step into the shoe. — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 18 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 South Korean head of state concluded a successful official visit to Mexico this week with a stop that was pure K-pop, featuring one of his country’s most representative musical groups.
    — Natalia Cano, Billboard, 26 Sep. 2026
  • This is pure comfort, but keeping slippers on the first, second, and third floor means never having to go up or down possibly three flights of stairs to locate them.
    — Jenny Hughes, The Spruce, 26 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 iconic Fifth Avenue landmark has been turned into luxury apartments—one of which has been given a local’s elegant touch.
    — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Al Mubarak was an elegant, articulate embodiment of a project many saw as an extension of Abu Dhabi soft power as much as a sheikh’s personal investment.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of elegant
Adjective
  • In Lepecki’s account, the gesture again demonstrated that stillness in dance always vibrates with subtle motion.
    — Sophie Landres, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Against a backdrop of wilting flowers that left a subtle funk in the air, designer Glenn Martens once again put forth ideas that challenged conventions of beautiful clothing.
    — Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of subtle
Adjective
  • There’s no end of things to do here—an athletic club, frequent cultural events, and an exquisite spa.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Played with exquisite, improbably expressive steeliness by Florence Pugh, Cathy does not awaken from nowhere as a predator.
    — Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of exquisite
Adjective
  • Iran’s long-range, highly accurate Shahed-136 attack drones — flying fiberglass triangles that cost about $35,000 each — have helped Tehran hold off the world’s most powerful military.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Even so, Mejia wants more information to be sure that those reports are accurate, especially because the city previously agreed to help cover any deficit should the Games lose money.
    — James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of accurate
Verb
  • The Ravens are too good at home; the Titans are improved but still struggling to move the ball.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The existing driveway would be improved to separate arena traffic from police department traffic.
    — Camryn Dadey, Sacbee.com, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of improved

Browse Nearby Words

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 5 Oct. 2026.

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