sophisticated

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

Updated on: 13 Apr 2018

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

—

sophisticatedly

adverb

See sophisticated defined for English-language learners

See sophisticated defined for kids

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 of sophisticated from the Web

Wassell also exudes a strong stage presence; his Richard is sophisticated and assertive as the wealthy urbanite attempting to lure Rosalind away from George.

— patti restivo, Howard County Times, "A moon full of talent at Laurel Mill Playhouse," 5 Apr. 2018
But Appalachian attitudes about technology’s role in daily life are extremely sophisticated—and turn out to be both insightful and useful in a technology-centric society.

— sherry hamby, Scientific American, "Resisting Technology, Appalachian Style," 4 Apr. 2018
Sarah Flint knows how to design chic, sophisticated and well-made shoes for women.

— kami phillips, PEOPLE.com, "One of Meghan Markle's Favorite Shoe Designers Is Having a Major Spring Sale," 30 Mar. 2018
Tailored top coats and high turtlenecks were a no-brainer, as was the overall effect—sophisticated and easy to wear.

— monica kim, Vogue, "5 Emerging Designers to Know From Seoul Fashion Week Fall 2018," 30 Mar. 2018
The dough is enriched with good quality extra-virgin olive oil that marries perfectly with the sophisticated and robust flavor of the rye.

— Time, "Weekend Recipe: Healthy Hot Cross Buns for Easter," 29 Mar. 2018
According to the United Kingdom, they were exposed to a Soviet-era nerve agent known as Novichok, a colorless, odorless and tasteless liquid described as one of the world's most sophisticated and deadly chemical weapons.

— ben westcott, CNN, "EU leaders back UK in Russian row over nerve agent attack," 23 Mar. 2018
Authorities have warned that the devices appeared to be getting more sophisticated and asked residents of one neighborhood to stay indoors Monday.

— alexander smith, NBC News, "Austin bomb suspect blows himself up as SWAT team approaches," 21 Mar. 2018
The latest bomb also appeared to be more sophisticated and indiscriminate, police said, triggered by a tripwire that could have injured any passerby.

— russell gold, WSJ, "Package Explodes at FedEx Facility in Texas; Link to Austin Bombs Suspected," 20 Mar. 2018

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.

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.

Origin and Etymology of sophisticated

Medieval Latin sophisticatus

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1601

See Words from the same year

sophisticated Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of 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

SOPHISTICATED Defined for English Language Learners

sophisticated

adjective

Definition of sophisticated for English Language Learners

: having or showing a lot of experience and knowledge about the world and about culture, art, literature, etc.
: attractive to fashionable or sophisticated people
: highly developed and complex