sophisticated

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

Did you know?

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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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. 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.
The trend is no longer whether to adopt AI but how sophisticated its deployment can be. — Gene Marks, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026 Go casual with denim shorts or lean more sophisticated with crisp trousers for the office — two ways Swift has styled white shirts before. — Claire West, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026 Royalty free music is the gateway drug for more brands to build sophisticated music strategies. — Jesse Kirshbaum, SPIN, 3 July 2026 The bixie, a bob-pixie hybrid, can come off as cool, sophisticated, or irreverent, all depending on your unique hair. — Calin Van Paris, InStyle, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for sophisticated

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin sophisticatus

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sophisticated was in 1601

Rhymes for sophisticated

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Browse Nearby Words

sophisticate
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 Jul. 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

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Nglish: Translation of sophisticated for Spanish Speakers

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