refined; refining
1
: to free (something, such as metal, sugar, or oil) from impurities or unwanted material
2
: to free from moral imperfection : elevate
3
: to improve or perfect by pruning or polishing
refine a poetic style
4
: to reduce in vigor or intensity
5
: to free from what is coarse, vulgar, or uncouth
1
: to become pure or perfected
2
: to make improvement by introducing subtleties or distinctions
refiner
noun
Synonyms
Examples of refine in a Sentence
The inventor of the machine spent years refining the design.
The class is meant to help you refine your writing style.
Recent Examples on the Web
For one, the boot’s stance angles have been refined over several years to hit that Goldilocks sweet spot: not too flexed, not too upright, and dead-flat edge-to-edge underfoot.
—
Outside Editors, Outside Online, 11 Nov. 2024
The automobile’s pontoon fenders and single rumble seat are esoteric enhancements, while the lack of door handles only further refines the extremely clean lines.
—Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 4 Nov. 2024
Consider refining your priorities rather than leading with a fight or push-pull dynamic.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 2 Nov. 2024
Terry also said that the group continues refining the concept, making small tweaks to each new design.
—Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 1 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for refine 
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Outside Editors, Outside Online, 11 Nov. 2024
The automobile’s pontoon fenders and single rumble seat are esoteric enhancements, while the lack of door handles only further refines the extremely clean lines.
—Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 4 Nov. 2024
Consider refining your priorities rather than leading with a fight or push-pull dynamic.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 2 Nov. 2024
Terry also said that the group continues refining the concept, making small tweaks to each new design.
—Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 1 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for refine
Dictionary Entries Near refine
Cite this Entry
“Refine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/refine. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
refine
verb
re·fine
ri-ˈfīn 
refined; refining
1
: to come or bring to a pure state
refine sugar
2
: to make or become improved
3
: to free from what is vulgar
4
: to improve by introducing something that makes a small difference
refined upon the older methods
refiner
noun
Medical Definition
refine
transitive verb
re·fine
ri-ˈfīn
refined; refining
: to free (as sugar or oil) from impurities or unwanted material
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