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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

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
Yet authoritarian governments have developed sophisticated countermeasures. Michael Paarlberg, The Conversation, 12 Feb. 2026 Playfully sophisticated, Samuel’s style is often described as organic, modern, and clean. Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 12 Feb. 2026
Verb
In the document, Anthropic argues that the question of consciousness and moral rights is necessary given the novel questions that sophisticated AI systems raise. Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 21 Jan. 2026 Here are six shirts, six stories, six ways to make the everyday dad shirt sophisticated. Alex Sales, Glamour, 17 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sophisticated
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sophisticated
Adjective
  • Beyond the historic architecture, Savannah welcomes visitors with its warm and cosmopolitan atmosphere in every season.
    Annabelle Dufraigne, Architectural Digest, 15 Feb. 2026
  • Otherwise, the tone of the show is pure cosmopolitan sympathy.
    Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • In one space, costumes can be custom printed and cut using high-tech printers, while another space houses a room full of sewing machines where costumers spend 80 hours crafting an intricate fur-pattern cape with fringes and sequins.
    Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
  • In addition to featuring intricate lacework, some pieces stand out for being crafted from chiffon and fluid satins, being punctuated by tiny floral embroideries and cascading daisy embellishments or simply for their buttery hues that add to the classic black and white propositions.
    Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The Bulls can’t play graceful basketball anymore.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026
  • With willow-like foliage and deep pink blooms all summer long, Twist of Pink™ Variegated Oleander makes a graceful focal point in gardens and containers.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Matchmakers create detailed profiles of their clients and prospective matches, including information about their dealbreakers and preferences and religious and political ideologies.
    Lauren Fichten, CBS News, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Officials plan to introduce baseline rules by 2027, with more than 300 detailed standards expected by 2030.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Wading conditions were excellent, but ultra-low water also complicated the fishing.
    Bryan Hendricks, Arkansas Online, 15 Feb. 2026
  • People who have filed claims complain that the review process has been complicated, frustrating and painstakingly slow and that cases are closed with no notice and no money awarded for their losses.
    Michael Collins, USA Today, 14 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Give your plant orchid food or a balanced fertilizer diluted to half strength.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 13 Feb. 2026
  • The poetry of Brontë’s language is likewise diluted.
    Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • And my initial job and focus was working for the chief digital officer at the time who was a really smart guy.
    Ben Smith, semafor.com, 14 Feb. 2026
  • The long-standing challenge of smart fibers For years, researchers have tried to make smart fibers—materials that change shape when exposed to electricity, light, heat, or changes in acidity.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Overwhelm, already a danger to investigators managing a complex case, isn’t helped by online conspiracy theorists and other noisemakers.
    Paige Williams, New Yorker, 14 Feb. 2026
  • The two supermassive black holes in the centers of each galaxy fall into orbit together and, like their stellar-mass cousins, can eventually spiral in and combine (though the details of this are a bit complex).
    Phil Plait, Scientific American, 13 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sophisticated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sophisticated. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.

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