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
And while the hotel was certainly a different kind of spectacle—tamer and more refined than its Cafe counterparts—there was always another corner left to discover, or a new extension to look forward to on the next visit. — Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Aug. 2026 The patch pockets, a style Oprah Winfrey and Reese Witherspoon have worn, make for an even more refined look. — Brooke Knappenberger, PEOPLE, 29 Aug. 2026
Verb
The process starts with the mining of bauxite ore, which is refined into alumina and then smelted into aluminum. — ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026 It was tested and refined to ensure the weave and construction did not impact the speaker’s acoustic performance. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 1 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
  • 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
  • Sanft argued his client’s account was pure fiction, and that investigators failed to quickly and vigorously corroborate it for a reason.
    — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 1 Sep. 2026
  • These sneakers also come in a wide variety of colors and trims if pure white isn’t your thing.
    — Rebecca Shinners, Travel + Leisure, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of pure
Adjective
  • To determine whether there's a bacterial infection, that urine must be cultured.
    — Meghan Rabbitt, NPR, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Crème fraîche is a slightly tangy cultured cream with around 30% fat.
    — Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of cultured
Adjective
  • Shop more outlet deals below, including an elegant candleholder, a luxe ottoman, and slim patio sofa.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The Queen size bed feels huge, there's plenty of light, sumptuous extra seating and an overall elegant Georgian style feel.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of elegant
Adjective
  • That possibility, however subtle, may have helped drive the legal chaos that unfolded in Baton Rouge just 48 hours before LSU was scheduled to take the field.
    — Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Birdseye maple recurs as a detail on furniture and banisters, along with subtle copper details and velvet seating.
    — Miles Socha, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of subtle
Adjective
  • An outpost of the Milanese hotspot, the Italian eatery offers fine dining in exquisite surroundings.
    — Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026
  • In Barbara Forever, an exquisite new documentary by Brydie O’Connor, there’s even old, grainy footage of Hammer essentially saying as much before a screening of her films.
    — Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of exquisite
Adjective
  • The more accurate framing is that many of these fees are supplier-imposed and disclosed in booking terms that travelers frequently do not read in full.
    — Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Maher noted that many of those candidates were heavy favorites to win but agreed that his statement was not accurate.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of accurate
Verb
  • Agricultural production technologies and weather forecasting capabilities have also improved substantially, all of which could help the market absorb part of the supply shocks.
    — , CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
  • With another interested party, the financial dimensions of the deal began to shift and Sunderland improved their offer to the player and his agents.
    — Tim Spiers, New York Times, 3 Sep. 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 7 Sep. 2026.

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