refined; refining
Synonyms of refine

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

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
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.
The attacks on Russian refineries have contributed to high costs, as well as the high cost of refining crude oils. — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 21 Oct. 2026 This data will refine projections for how many launches are needed to support a Starship landing on the Moon for NASA as part of the Artemis Program. — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 21 Oct. 2026 Even 64 years later Opel was still refining the long-roof formula for global audiences with versions like the sleek Opel Insignia Sports Tourer. — New Atlas, 21 Oct. 2026 But Blanco has been working to refine performance through new mod versions that also runs Nvidia’s other DLSS upscaling and FPS-boosting features. — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for refine

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of refine was in 1582

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Cite this Entry

“Refine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/refine. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

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
refined; refining
: to free (as sugar or oil) from impurities or unwanted material
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