sophisticated 1 of 2

adjective

sə-ˈfi-stə-ˌkā-təd How to pronounce sophisticated (audio)
Definition of sophisticatednext
1
as in cosmopolitan
having a wide and refined knowledge of the world especially from personal experience a surprisingly sophisticated and widely traveled child

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2
as in intricate
having many parts or aspects that are usually interrelated a very sophisticated machine that is a marvel of modern design

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3
as in graceful
having or showing very polished and worldly manners a sophisticated gentleman, he is a welcomed guest at dinner parties all over town

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4
as in detailed
made or done with great care or with much detail a sophisticated plan for totally redesigning the city's complicated traffic patterns

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sophisticated

2 of 2

verb

past tense of sophisticate
1
as in complicated
to make complex or difficult there's no need to sophisticate something that is beautiful in its simplicity

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2
as in diluted
to alter (something) for the worse with the addition of foreign or lower-grade substances vanilla extract that has been sophisticated with corn syrup

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective sophisticated differ from other similar words?

The words blasé and worldly-wise are common synonyms of sophisticated. While all three words 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

When might blasé be a better fit than sophisticated?

The meanings of blasé and sophisticated largely overlap; however, 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

In what contexts can worldly-wise take the place of sophisticated?

Although the words worldly-wise and sophisticated have much in common, 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

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of sophisticated
Adjective
More than a decade later, researchers are developing increasingly sophisticated materials and printing techniques that could turn the idea into useful engineering systems. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026 Public opinion of the nation’s largest technology companies and their sophisticated products dropped to multiyear lows in 2026, polls show. — Christopher Cann, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026
Verb
The decor is sophisticated with gold and cream accents, leather bed heads and flecked carpet. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 June 2026 Her look is proof that the polarizing silhouette can be sophisticated and is also well on its way to becoming a modern classic. — Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 26 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for sophisticated
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sophisticated
  1. cosmopolitan
  2. intricate
  3. graceful
  4. detailed
  5. complicated
  6. diluted
  7. smart
  8. complex
Adjective
  • Looking ahead to late 2026, the intriguing Patina Tianjin will be a decidedly unique cosmopolitan gateway to discovery.
    — Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Ibrahim Nuhu, a banker who was transferred from the more cosmopolitan Plateau state to Sokoto, has seen the city evolve in recent years from a drab scene to a lively experience on weekends.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of cosmopolitan
Adjective
  • The intricate leather cutouts appear across the strap across the toes and on the straps that wrap around the back of the foot.
    — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2026
  • As with software, the features that optimize for agents differ significantly from the intricate features of modern internet sites built for human use.
    — George C. Lee II, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of intricate
Adjective
  • As with many of the academic cases, there are often no permanent consequences for Pretendians; they are either allowed to continue teaching or granted a graceful retirement.
    — Tommy Orange, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The driveway, lined with perennial beds, has a graceful curve on its way to a large circle that allows guests to park near the walkway to the front porch.
    — James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of graceful
Adjective
  • There are no surprises, only faithful responses to the driver’s inputs and an abundance of detailed feedback.
    — Bradley Iger, ArsTechnica, 26 Aug. 2026
  • To get a better understanding of who this individual was, researchers have spent the past few years conducting a detailed analysis of the remains’ DNA and isotopes, and the chemical properties of the metallic artefacts and the decorative band.
    — Mike McRae August 25, New Atlas, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of detailed
Verb
  • The controversy was complicated by the fact that some prominent rabbis had actually met with Galliano before the exhibition was announced and had come away believing that his repentance was sincere, as JTA reported earlier this month.
    — Andrew Silow-Carroll, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026
  • College endowments can be complicated, with the money held across hundreds or even thousands of separate funds.
    — Bloomberg, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of complicated
Verb
  • The opposition filing also said the company’s brand would be diluted in terms of distinction in the market by the applicant’s mark.
    — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2026
  • This paradox—a longing for beauty to be distributed equally, even though it cannot be diluted for ease of distribution, and might even require rarity—is why the period continues to fascinate me.
    — Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of diluted
Adjective
  • But by defending in this way, Chelsea are giving smart opponents the advantage in the battle for possession.
    — Jon Mackenzie, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • But getting there wasn’t just about making smart product decisions.
    — Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of smart
Adjective
  • The approach does not automatically establish the exact cause of every settlement anomaly, and underground conditions can be complex.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026
  • To create objects with collapsibility as a core feature, Toyonaga’s team devised an analytic design algorithm allowing incremental construction of complex scissored surfaces.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of complex

Browse Nearby Words

sophisticate
sophisticated
sophisticates
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Cite this Entry

“Sophisticated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sophisticated. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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