sophisticated

adjective

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

But like cell phones and certain sitcom stars' hair, specialty paint finishes have gotten considerably more sophisticated over the past twenty-odd years. — Emma Bazilian, House Beautiful, "Everything You Need to Know About Textured Wall Finishes," 7 Feb. 2019 Today clients looking for a private investigator have more sophisticated options. — Ben Widdicombe, Town & Country, "How Much Does It Cost to Keep Your Name Out of the News?," 18 Jan. 2019 The Bristol pound, launched in 2012, is among the more sophisticated of Britain’s local currencies. — Avantika Chilkoti, WSJ, "Your Bowie Is No Good Here, But He’ll Pay for a Zumba Class in Brixton," 18 Jan. 2019 But as tensions continue to build over trade, that sort of virtual arson attack on networks could become increasingly more common and much more sophisticated in its application. — Sean Gallagher, Ars Technica, "New data shows China has “taken the gloves off” in hacking attacks on US," 1 Nov. 2018 Rescue teams developed more sophisticated ways to liberate families from the rubble. — David Nath, Fox News, "Social media saves lives in Syria's Civil War," 21 Sep. 2018 Think of it as unicorn makeup's cooler, more sophisticated sister. — Rachel Nussbaum, Glamour, "This Dreamy Fall Trend Is Like Unicorn Makeup's Cooler Older Sister," 19 Sep. 2018 The non-drinker’s palate is no less sophisticated, though, and some bars have stepped up their nonalcoholic game accordingly. — Julia Bainbridge, WSJ, "What Do You Call a Bar Without Booze?," 23 Jan. 2019 The style looks clean and sophisticated, especially when the material is a luxe leather. — Marina Liao, Marie Claire, "5 Handbag Trends to Keep Your Eyes on in 2019," 22 Jan. 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.