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
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
Instead of a sweeping change, Netflix tested the service, refined it based on real-time feedback, and scaled gradually.
—
Paola Cecchi-Dimeglio, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
The Trump administration on Saturday asked for clarification from the high court, asking it to refine its order to allow Alien Enemies Act deportations for any migrant who has not challenged their removal.
—Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill, 21 Apr. 2025
Each project pushes me to experiment, adapt, and refine my artistry.
—Heide Janssen, Oc Register, 20 Apr. 2025
For parents needing to refine the companionate element of their relationship, Brooks advised scheduling thirty minutes each day to talk about your day, worries or interests with each other.
—Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for refine
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Paola Cecchi-Dimeglio, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
The Trump administration on Saturday asked for clarification from the high court, asking it to refine its order to allow Alien Enemies Act deportations for any migrant who has not challenged their removal.
—Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill, 21 Apr. 2025
Each project pushes me to experiment, adapt, and refine my artistry.
—Heide Janssen, Oc Register, 20 Apr. 2025
For parents needing to refine the companionate element of their relationship, Brooks advised scheduling thirty minutes each day to talk about your day, worries or interests with each other.
—Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for refine
Cite this Entry
“Refine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/refine. Accessed 27 Apr. 2025.
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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