sophisticated

1 of 2

adjective

so·​phis·​ti·​cat·​ed sə-ˈfi-stə-ˌkā-təd How to pronounce sophisticated (audio)
Synonyms of sophisticated
1
: deprived of native or original simplicity: such as
a
: highly complicated or developed : complex
sophisticated electronic devices
b
: having a refined knowledge of the ways of the world cultivated especially through wide experience
a sophisticated lady
2
: devoid of grossness: such as
a
: finely experienced and aware
a sophisticated columnist
b
: intellectually appealing
a sophisticated novel
sophisticatedly adverb

sophisticated

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of sophisticate entry 1

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A sophisticated argument is thorough and well-worked-out. A satellite is a sophisticated piece of technology, complex and designed to accomplish difficult tasks. A sophisticated person, such as Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca, knows how to get around in the world. But sophistication isn't always admired. As you might guess, the word is closely related to sophistry (see above), and its original meanings weren't very positive, and still today many of us aren't sure we really like sophisticates.

Synonyms of sophisticated

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Adjective

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sophisticated, worldly-wise, blasé mean experienced in the ways of the world.

sophisticated often implies refinement, urbanity, cleverness, and cultivation.

guests at her salon were usually rich and sophisticated

worldly-wise suggests a close and practical knowledge of the affairs and manners of society and an inclination toward materialism.

a worldly-wise woman with a philosophy of personal independence

blasé implies a lack of responsiveness to common joys as a result of a real or affected surfeit of experience and cultivation.

blasé travelers who claimed to have been everywhere

Examples of sophisticated in a Sentence

Adjective Puck's mix of casual and sophisticated elements has become the most prevalent style of L.A. dining today. —Harvey Steiman, Wine Spectator, 31 Mar. 2009
Sophisticated investors took Moody's and S&P's word for it, and it turned out that the agencies didn't know what they were doing. —Andy Serwer et al., Time, 29 Sept. 2008
"These students want the amenities they grew up with at home—their own rooms, their own baths, along with some of the finer things in life. They're a more sophisticated consumer." —Camille Sweeney, New York Times Real Estate Magazine, Spring 2007
Sonar devices can locate an enemy's sophisticated, almost-silent diesel submarines by, ironically, making a deafening noise—sometimes above 230 decibels, as loud as a Saturn V rocket blasting off. —Dick Russell, Mother Jones, March & April 2006
She was a sophisticated and well-traveled woman. a swank and sophisticated restaurant Her knitting technique is more sophisticated than mine.
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
Modern submarine programmes involve sophisticated engineering, propulsion, sensors, communications, combat systems and long-term industrial support. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2026 Nearly every player goes through a sophisticated recovery routine, but the common denominator is the most valuable recovery activity of all. — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026 Hers was a captivating return, combining the innate theatricality of her poise with a bold, sophisticated style steeped in historical references to haute couture. — Giacomo Aricò, Vogue, 5 Sep. 2026 Now, compare that to the infrastructure that already exists in China thanks to its sophisticated supply chains and massive motorcycle production capacity. — Bultaco, New Atlas, 5 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sophisticated

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Medieval Latin sophisticatus

First Known Use

Adjective

1601, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sophisticated was in 1601

Rhymes for sophisticated

See All Rhymes for sophisticated

Browse Nearby Words

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sophisticated
sophistication
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Cite this Entry

“Sophisticated.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sophisticated. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

sophisticated

adjective
so·​phis·​ti·​cat·​ed sə-ˈfis-tə-ˌkāt-əd How to pronounce sophisticated (audio)
1
: deprived of native or original simplicity: such as
a
: very complicated : complex
sophisticated instruments
b
: worldly-wise, knowing
a sophisticated young graduate
2
a
: finely experienced and aware
a sophisticated observer
b
: appealing to one's intelligence
a sophisticated novel
sophisticatedly adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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