sophisticated

so·phis·ti·cat·ed | \ sə-ˈfi-stə-ˌkā-təd

Definition 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

Other Words from sophisticated Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about sophisticated

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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

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.

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 The sophisticated electronics and radar systems were crucial in Croatia’s decision to buy the F-16s from Israel instead of from the U.S. or Greece, which had also bid for the contract. — Washington Post, "Croatia launches international bid to buy fighter squadron," 15 Jan. 2020 But Venables deflected the idea that his approach was especially sophisticated. — New York Times, "L.S.U.’s offense has come to life.," 13 Jan. 2020 Because biology is so incredibly sophisticated and complex, there will always be discovery risk — the risk that some heretofore unknown aspect of biology will lead to failure. — Vijay Pande, STAT, "Welcome to the bioengineering culture clash," 10 Jan. 2020 Despite the obvious malicious intent of the video, the editing techniques used are not sophisticated. — Sarah Midkiff, refinery29.com, "Facebook Just Banned “Deepfake” Videos, But What Exactly Are They?," 8 Jan. 2020 Religious explanations seem to be a stock answer, but hopefully future researchers are more sophisticated than that. — Eva Frederick, Science | AAAS, "What fossils will modern-day civilization leave behind?," 6 Jan. 2020 But Tobin is too sophisticated a producer to churn out mundane relaxation music. — Randall Roberts, chicagotribune.com, "Electronic producer Amon Tobin’s very productive and wildly surprising year," 5 Dec. 2019 While face-blind adults use compensatory strategies to assist with everyday recognition (such as voice or gait), these methods are usually too sophisticated for young children. — Sarah Bate, Scientific American, "New Promise for Those Who Suffer from Face Blindness," 26 Dec. 2019 The package design is sophisticated yet simple: A box that looks like a pair of new headphones is instead equipped with four phones that record video, a spinning cup that shoots out glitter and two cans of a foul-smelling spray. — Ryan W. Miller, USA TODAY, "Viral glitter bomb creator updates porch pirate decoy package with Macaulay Culkin," 16 Dec. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sophisticated.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

18 Jan 2020

Cite this Entry

“Sophisticated.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sophisticated. Accessed 19 January 2020.

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More Definitions for sophisticated

sophisticated

adjective