sophisticated
adjective
so·phis·ti·cat·ed
sə-ˈfi-stə-ˌkā-təd 
1
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.
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.
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 capital is more sophisticated, the stakeholders are more educated and the businesses are becoming more resilient.
—Ian Shepherd, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
In a newer and more sophisticated twist, scammers are removing links altogether.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 28 June 2025
The theft of luxury cars is highly sophisticated and widespread, with Range Rovers just one of a number of targets for organized crime groups.
—Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 27 June 2025
Among Brickell’s more sophisticated architectural features is its $30 million, three-block long, elevated glass and steel trellis called the Climate Ribbon, which protects visitors from sun and rain.
—David Moin, Footwear News, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for sophisticated
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Ian Shepherd, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
In a newer and more sophisticated twist, scammers are removing links altogether.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 28 June 2025
The theft of luxury cars is highly sophisticated and widespread, with Range Rovers just one of a number of targets for organized crime groups.
—Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 27 June 2025
Among Brickell’s more sophisticated architectural features is its $30 million, three-block long, elevated glass and steel trellis called the Climate Ribbon, which protects visitors from sun and rain.
—David Moin, Footwear News, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for sophisticated
Cite this Entry
“Sophisticated.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sophisticated. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
sophisticated
adjective
so·phis·ti·cat·ed
sə-ˈfis-tə-ˌkāt-əd
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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