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

And in the years since the 2003 blackout, cyberattackers have become more sophisticated and the number of attempts more pervasive. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "California operator of electricity grid fends off millions of cyberattacks each month," 14 June 2019 Over time, gangs became more sophisticated, and more violent. — Daniel Castro, Harper's magazine, "The Truce," 10 June 2019 Chinese tastes are fast becoming more sophisticated, observes Alex Dichter of McKinsey, a consultancy. — The Economist, "What slumping demand for cruises says about Chinese tourists," 8 June 2019 As Anthony becomes part of her life the cameras and the creative tools disappear and the decor becomes more sophisticated and grown up and even baroque. — Vanessa Lawrence, ELLE Decor, "This London Flat is the Site of A Director's First Cinematic Love," 20 May 2019 Why the uptick in Spam? Spam is becoming more sophisticated than before. — Brooke Crothers, Fox News, "Russia is the top aggressor of internet attacks on the US," 7 Sep. 2018 But as American viticulture becomes more and more sophisticated, underdog regions have grown increasingly interesting. — Todd Plummer, Vogue, "Beyond Napa: 7 Emerging American Wine Regions to Visit Now," 29 Aug. 2018 These technologies will become increasingly sophisticated over a very short period of time, making it more and more difficult for average consumers to be able to recognize deceptive tactics. — Catherine F. Brooks, WIRED, "Faked Video Could End Justice by Twitter Mob," 18 June 2018 Experts warn that the country’s hacking skills have become increasingly sophisticated and dangerous in recent years. — Tami Abdollah, BostonGlobe.com, "Summit does not deal with North Korea’s hacking," 16 June 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.