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
Over the decades, Çırağan Palace has hosted royalty, statesmen, and global icons, all drawn by its blend of history and refinement.
—
Susmita Baral, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2025
Closed rhinoplasty may suit subtler refinements with less swelling.
—Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 22 Oct. 2025
Much of this was due to insufficient user iteration and scenario-specific refinement.
—Ni Tao, Interesting Engineering, 21 Oct. 2025
Although rare earths, a group of 17 elements, are in fact more abundant than gold, the relatively high cost and environmental damage associated with their processing and refinement have placed China in a dominant position in their production worldwide.
—John Liu, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for refinement
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Susmita Baral, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2025
Closed rhinoplasty may suit subtler refinements with less swelling.
—Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 22 Oct. 2025
Much of this was due to insufficient user iteration and scenario-specific refinement.
—Ni Tao, Interesting Engineering, 21 Oct. 2025
Although rare earths, a group of 17 elements, are in fact more abundant than gold, the relatively high cost and environmental damage associated with their processing and refinement have placed China in a dominant position in their production worldwide.
—John Liu, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 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 30 Oct. 2025.
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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