refined

1 of 2

adjective

re·​fined ri-ˈfīnd How to pronounce refined (audio)
Synonyms of refined
1
: free from impurities
2
: fastidious, cultivated
3
: precise, exact
a refined test for radioactivity

refined

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of refine

Synonyms of refined

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Adjective

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Examples of refined in a Sentence

Adjective She has become more refined in her painting technique. He has very refined manners. refined and elegant works of art
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.
Adjective
And while the hotel was certainly a different kind of spectacle—tamer and more refined than its Cafe counterparts—there was always another corner left to discover, or a new extension to look forward to on the next visit. — Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Aug. 2026 Niamey has been cushioned by its small domestic refining capacity, while Lomé was one of the first African nations to buy refined fuel from Nigeria’s Dangote refinery in March. — Paige Bruton, semafor.com, 28 Aug. 2026 Honey, compared to white sugar, has a bit of a health halo and is thought of as a better choice than refined sugars. — Sheah Rarback, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026 Luxury fibers introduce refined sensory qualities without compromising denim’s structure. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for refined

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1582, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of refined was in 1582

Rhymes for refined

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Browse Nearby Words

refine
refined
refined madder
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Cite this Entry

“Refined.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/refined. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

refined

adjective
re·​fined
ri-ˈfīnd
1
: socially well-trained : well-bred, cultivated
very refined manners
2
: freed from impurities : pure
refined sugar
3
: carried to a fine point : subtle
refined measurements
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