refinement
noun
re·fine·ment
ri-ˈfīn-mənt 
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
This clinic specializes in rhinoplasty techniques often used for patients seeking bridge augmentation and tip refinement.
—
Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 23 Dec. 2025
Exactly how that happens is the result of technological breakthroughs and engineering refinements.
—Srishti Gupta, Interesting Engineering, 23 Dec. 2025
The best gel nail polishes require minimal maintenance, are practically chip-proof, and add an extra touch of refinement.
—Taryn Brooke, Glamour, 16 Dec. 2025
The Xi-Macron meeting in Chengdu also signaled a refinement of Chinese soft power, moving away from the combative rhetoric of recent years toward a strategy that embraces warmer ties with key European powers like France.
—Xianda Huang, The Conversation, 15 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for refinement
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Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 23 Dec. 2025
Exactly how that happens is the result of technological breakthroughs and engineering refinements.
—Srishti Gupta, Interesting Engineering, 23 Dec. 2025
The best gel nail polishes require minimal maintenance, are practically chip-proof, and add an extra touch of refinement.
—Taryn Brooke, Glamour, 16 Dec. 2025
The Xi-Macron meeting in Chengdu also signaled a refinement of Chinese soft power, moving away from the combative rhetoric of recent years toward a strategy that embraces warmer ties with key European powers like France.
—Xianda Huang, The Conversation, 15 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for refinement
Cite this Entry
“Refinement.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/refinement. Accessed 1 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
refinement
noun
re·fine·ment
ri-ˈfīn-mənt
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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