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

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.
The center produces vast amounts of training data daily, enabling continuous learning and refinement, reports PDO. Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 3 Apr. 2026 The update includes refinements to system performance and bug fixes. Thomas Westerholm, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026 The pinnacle of rarity and refinement, this series features 100% intact cuticles and undergoes zero damaging chemical processing, bestowing unparalleled strength, luminosity, and softness for 100+ washes. Noel Cymone Walker, StyleCaster, 1 Apr. 2026 Worn by Catherine, Princess of Wales, for her 2011 wedding to Prince William, the Cartier Halo Tiara offered a notably understated and modern take on royal bridal jewelry, perfectly complementing the elegant refinement of Kate’s Alexander McQueen gown. Eloise Moran, InStyle, 31 Mar. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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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