Synonyms for

Refine

Verb / rʌˈfaɪn / / rɪˈfaɪn / Another word for refine — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to improve something by making small changes or removing impurities

Synonyms & similar words

rarify rectify down elaborate complicate finetune polish purify perfect polish upgrade enhance develop improve cleanse clarify distill filter fine-tune hone modify rectify scrub sharpen sift sublimate tweak

Synonyms by register

Formal

purify improve perfect polish

Informal

clean up tweak spruce up fix up

Literary

distill elucidate ennoble

Antonyms

corrupt debase impoverish spoil worsen damage pollute

Common collocations

  • refine the process
  • refine the design
  • refine the product
  • refine the language
  • refine the technique
  • refine the skills
  • refine the data

Word family

noun refinement
verb refine
adjective refined
adverb refinedly

Usage note

Often used to describe making something better or more precise, especially in a technical or artistic context. Avoid using 'refine' to mean 'to become confused' or 'to become tired'.

Example sentences

  1. I need to refine my essay before submitting it to the teacher.
  2. The jeweler will refine the gold to make it shiny.
  3. The chef will refine the recipe to make it taste better.
  4. The scientist will refine the experiment to get accurate results.
  5. The musician will refine the song to make it more catchy.

Quotes

  • Gold cannot be pure, and people cannot be perfect. - Chinese Proverb
  • The finest steel has to go through the hottest fire. - Richard M. Nixon
  • We are all born ignorant, but one must work hard to remain stupid. - Benjamin Franklin

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