Est. 1828

sophisticated

adjective

so·phis·ti·cat·ed sə-ˈfi-stə-ˌkā-təd

Synonyms of sophisticated

: deprived of native or original simplicity: such as

: highly complicated or developed : complex

sophisticated electronic devices

: having a refined knowledge of the ways of the world cultivated especially through wide experience

a sophisticated lady

: devoid of grossness: such as

: finely experienced and aware

a sophisticated columnist

: intellectually appealing

a sophisticated novel

sophisticatedly adverb

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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

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Choose the Right Synonym for sophisticated

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

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. 2009Sophisticated 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 2007Sonar 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 2006See More

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

The high lifetime value of traders justifies significant investment in sophisticated intermediation infrastructure.—Boaz Sobrado, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024There are versions of thumbprint cookies that get rolled in nuts before baking; some call for a dusting of powdered sugar for a sweet finish; some even get a sophisticated update with Benne seeds.—Carrie Honaker, Southern Living, 30 Nov. 2024From trusty Samsonite to sophisticated Delsey and pilot-approved Travelpro, Amazon’s early Cyber Monday deals on carry-on bags feature classic spinners, underseaters, duffels and weekenders, backpacks, and more.—Hillary Maglin, Travel + Leisure, 30 Nov. 2024Its dark and neutral color will add a sophisticated touch to any decor style.—Shea Simmons, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Nov. 2024See all Example Sentences for sophisticated