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

The work was tough, Erickson says, but the experience helped the team refine their technology, working out which sensors operated best in the alternately dusty and moist conditions found on farms. —IEEE Spectrum, 22 May 2024

Salicylic acid and papaya enzymes refine and clarify your skin quickly without causing irritation. —Mia Meltzer, Rolling Stone, 20 May 2024

The school said that moving forward, administrators will work to refine their processes at the school level. —Arlyssa D. Becenti, The Arizona Republic, 20 May 2024

Continuing to refine his already polished post game will be another goal for Jaquez this offseason. —Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 20 May 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