Synonyms for refine
Synonyms by meaning
Verb
2. Elaborate
Other
rectify, purify, clarify, filter, sublimate, clear, fine, split hairs, sublime, spiritualize, spiritualise UK, subtilize, subtilise UK, try dated
Definitions
- v. 1
To purify; reduce to a fine, unmixed, or pure state; to free from impurities.
- v. 2
To become pure; to be cleared of impure matter.
- v. 3
To purify of coarseness, vulgarity, inelegance, etc.; to polish.
to refine someone's manners
Related words
- Word family
- refinement
Forms
- Past participle
- refined
e.g. refined → polished, fine-tuned, downed, elaborated…
Example sentences
- complicate Don't complicate the problem by raising new issues.
- improve This app will help you improve your English level.
- clarify Mary's analysis will help to clarify the problem.
- purify Sami wanted to know how to purify himself as a Muslim.
Popularity over time
| Word | 1850 → 2019 | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| refine | rising | |
| complicate | rising | |
| rarefy | rising | |
| improve | steady | |
| clarify | steady |
Use in printed books, per decade from 1850 to 2019.
By length
- 3 letters
- try1
- 4 letters
- down1, fine1
- 5 letters
- clear1
- 6 letters
- polish2, filter2, purify3, rarefy3
- 7 letters
- improve2, clarify3, sublime2, elevate3, rectify3
- 8 letters
- civilize3, civilise
- 9 letters
- elaborate3, cultivate3, sublimate, meliorate, subtilize, subtilise
- 10 letters
- complicate3
- 12 letters
- spiritualize, spiritualise
The small number after each word is its number of syllables (polish2 = 2 syllables).