sophisticated 1 of 2

Definition of sophisticatednext
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sophisticated

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verb

past tense of sophisticate

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

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
Since 1665, when English physicist Robert Hooke coined the term cell to describe the microscopic view of cork, scientists have been developing increasingly sophisticated microscopy tools, enabling them to view ever-smaller details of cellular structure. Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026 That's why Orion – and crew modules built by SpaceX and Boeing – looks like a larger, more sophisticated version of Apollo. George Petras, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
The Aritzia Generation Crepette Blazer is effortlessly sophisticated, with an oversized yet slim silhouette that can be dressed up or down. Genevieve Cepeda, InStyle, 4 Mar. 2026 The tech industry has pounced on the idea that robots will soon be sophisticated enough to replace humans in a host of tasks, with more than $3 billion in venture funding going to humanoid development last year. Rachyl Jones, semafor.com, 4 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sophisticated
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sophisticated
Adjective
  • This cosmopolitan attitude toward food allows rats to survive on ships and wherever those ships eventually land.
    Jason Bittel, Big Think, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Food and drink Like everything else at The Rooster, the food has a distinct sense of place but also a cosmopolitan sensibility.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Some were draped in ivy, others adorned with pink blossoms, but none are forgotten by nature’s touch—each brought to life by the intricate details that transport you into a postcard of the Italian countryside.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Drawing inspiration from the human hand’s intricate design and proprioceptive capabilities, this study aims to enhance the dexterity of robotic hands, particularly in multi-degree-of-freedom (DoF) motion and posture perception.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Your next house could be this graceful French mansion, previously owned by both the late German designer and by European royalty.
    Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Offer graceful leadership and listen to quieter voices, because shared success grows when everyone feels included and heard.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • More smart scales are now including a handlebar to provide detailed insights into fat and muscle distribution across different parts of the body.
    Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 5 Apr. 2026
  • The detailed biographies of every correspondent make, in themselves, a whole picture of the cultural and political life of the early twentieth century.
    Hermione Lee, The New York Review of Books, 4 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Activists overseas play a key role in tracking the crackdown, which is complicated by the ongoing internet shutdown imposed early this year during massive nationwide protests against the Islamic theocracy.
    Amir-Hussein Radjy, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2026
  • Activists overseas play a key role in tracking the crackdown, which is complicated by the internet shutdown imposed earlier this year during massive nationwide protests against the Islamic theocracy.
    Amir Hussein Radjy, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Some say that the quantity of productions required by streaming services has diluted the talent pool of crews.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
  • When this idea is diluted, government expands its ambition to curate the public’s consciousness.
    George F. Will, Washington Post, 3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Going beyond the basics of a typical smart scale, the MorphoScan breaks down segmental muscle and fat for each arm, each leg, and your torso, similar to a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan, which is essentially a medical imagery test to gauge these same attributes.
    Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 5 Apr. 2026
  • Police in Ann Arbor want all fans coming to town to celebrate this weekend to make smart decisions.
    Terell Bailey, CBS News, 4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Then set aside time to file electronically, use tax software or meet with a professional if your finances are more complex.
    Alora Bopray, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026
  • In addition to the waste from duplication, the DA has noted that the new unit could threaten complex cases involving coordination with the state attorney general and end up prematurely settling cases that are part of larger investigations.
    Adam Summers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sophisticated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sophisticated. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.

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