refine

verb

re·​fine ri-ˈfīn 

refined; refining

transitive verb

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

intransitive verb

1

: to become pure or perfected

2

: to make improvement by introducing subtleties or distinctions

refiner noun

Synonyms

• ameliorate
• amend
• better
• enhance
• enrich
• help
• improve
• meliorate
• perfect
• upgrade

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

Use the data from these pods to refine your implementation strategy. —Dmitry Malin, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024

Feedback from the initial product launch will be used to additionally refine the material. —Rhonda Richford, WWD, 20 Nov. 2024

The grant enabled Frey to devote time to refining, redefining and innovating an ancient craft. —Debra Utacia Krol, The Arizona Republic, 19 Nov. 2024

After gathering public input, the next steps include a traffic analysis, refining the three alternatives, choosing a preferred alternative, and creating a preliminary corridor design, according to the department. —Tom Daykin, Journal Sentinel, 14 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids 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