refinement

noun

re·​fine·​ment ri-ˈfīn-mənt How to pronounce refinement (audio)
Synonyms of refinementnext
1
: the action or process of refining
2
: the quality or state of being refined : cultivation
3
a
: a refined feature or method
b
: a highly refined distinction : subtlety
c
: a contrivance or device intended to improve or perfect

Synonyms of refinement

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Examples of refinement in a Sentence

the recent refinements in this area of medical technology had a sense of refinement that her small hometown couldn't satisfy, so she moved to New York City to be closer to great museums and concert halls
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.
Meals are taken family style, and the refinement of the cooking will ruin ordinary Indian restaurant fare for you. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Aug. 2026 Building the foundation for future testing Beyond verifying individual subsystems, the first testing campaign generated engineering and diagnostic data that will help guide future refinements. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 4 Aug. 2026 Mannion’s initial installations of motions and misdirection plays have been effective from my vantage point in team drills — not red flags in need of refinement. — Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026 Some enthusiasts will always treasure the sound and mechanical involvement of a gasoline engine, while others will welcome the instant, gutsier response and refinement of electric propulsion. — Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for refinement

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of refinement was circa 1611

Rhymes for refinement

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Browse Nearby Words

refined wool fat
refinement
refiner
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Cite this Entry

“Refinement.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/refinement. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

refinement

noun
re·​fine·​ment ri-ˈfīn-mənt How to pronounce refinement (audio)
1
: the action or process of refining
2
: the state of being refined : cultivation
3
a
: something that has been refined
refinements in dress and behavior
b
: something intended to improve or refine

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