Refine — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ri-ˈfīn/ re·fine

Meaning & Definition of Refine

Refine (verb)

  1. to free (something, such as metal, sugar, or oil) from impurities or unwanted material
  2. to free from moral imperfection, elevate
  3. to improve or perfect by pruning or polishing

Refine (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to make better

    "worked on refining her backhand before the big tennis match"

    similar: ameliorate, amend, better, enhance, enrich, help, improve, meliorate, perfect, upgrade
    related: correct, emend, rectify, reform, remediate, remedy, edit, fine-tune, redraft, refurbish, rehab, rehabilitate, revamp, revise, rework, beef (up), boost, fortify, intensify, reinforce, strengthen, fine, hone, polish, retouch, touch up
    opposite: worsen
    near: damage, endamage, harm, hurt, impair, injure, spoil, tarnish, vitiate, blemish, blight, deface, disfigure, flaw, mar, diminish, lessen, lower, reduce

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Refine

The most common words with a similar meaning to Refine:

ameliorate, amend, better, enhance, enrich, help, improve, meliorate, perfect, upgrade

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Refine

Words with the opposite meaning of Refine:

worsen

Related Words for Refine

correct, emend, rectify, reform, remediate, remedy, edit, fine-tune, redraft, refurbish, rehab, rehabilitate, revamp, revise, rework, beef (up), boost, fortify, intensify, reinforce, strengthen, fine, hone, polish, retouch, touch up

Near Antonyms of Refine

damage, endamage, harm, hurt, impair, injure, spoil, tarnish, vitiate, blemish, blight, deface, disfigure, flaw, mar, diminish, lessen, lower, reduce

Word Forms of Refine

Inflections: refined, refining

Derived words: refiner (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Refine

First known use: 1582t

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Refine

Frequently Asked Questions about Refine

What does "Refine" mean?

"Refine" means to free (something, such as metal, sugar, or oil) from impurities or unwanted material. As a verb, it is defined as: to free (something, such as metal, sugar, or oil) from impurities or unwanted material.

What is another word for "Refine"?

Other words for "Refine" include ameliorate, amend, better, enhance, enrich, help, improve and meliorate. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Refine" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Refine"?

There are 36 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Refine". Common alternatives include ameliorate, amend, better, enhance, enrich, help, improve, meliorate, perfect and upgrade.

What is the opposite of "Refine"?

Antonyms of "Refine" include worsen. Near antonyms include damage, endamage, harm and hurt.

How do you use "Refine" in a sentence?

Examples of "Refine" in a sentence: "worked on refining her backhand before the big tennis match".

Is "Refine" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Refine" is a verb.

Is "Refine" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

It is on the Academic Word List, so it appears often in IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and university texts.

How do you pronounce "Refine"?

"Refine" is pronounced /ri-ˈfīn/ and divided into syllables as re·fine.