sophisticated

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

|Updated on: 7 Jun 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: sophisticated in a Sentence

Editor's Note: Did You Know?

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

Cyberattacks on companies continue to grow more prevalent, sophisticated and dangerous.

— chris kornelis, WSJ, "The Anatomy of a Phishing Attack," 29 May 2018
As every year passes, widely available hobby drones become more sophisticated and readily available to everyone – including terrorists.

— allison barrie, Fox News, "Drone slayer: Polaris MRZR ATVs, Chevy trucks, armed with new anti-drone weapon," 29 May 2018
And during this election cycle, critics say the aid has become weaponized as part of a sophisticated and cynical get-out-the-vote machine.

— jim wyss and cody weddle, miamiherald, "Venezuela's Maduro aims to turn empty stomachs into full ballot boxes | Miami Herald," 16 May 2018
For his part, Meacham believes Bush will viewed as a more sophisticated and significant president than he is judged today.

— the washington post, NOLA.com, "Donald Trump may be best thing that ever happened to George W. Bush," 13 May 2018
Enter the Sallie Gardner, a mint julep-meets-black Manhattan that’s both sophisticated and easy to make.

— emily spicer, San Antonio Express-News, "Mint julep meets a black Manhattan with delish results," 2 May 2018
The dress's palette—a bright lemon base, fuchsia petals, and light blue stems—was sophisticated and unexpected, as was its pairing of similar florals in two different scales.

— edward barsamian, Vogue, "Priyanka Chopra Proves Spring Florals Aren't for Shrinking Violets," 26 Apr. 2018
The Jets need a player who can be suave, sophisticated and ready for Broadway, and this quarterback is as ready as any since Namath. 4.

— peter king, SI.com, "Monday Morning Mock Draft: Darts, Deals & Wild Guesses," 23 Apr. 2018
The collars the two animals are now wearing are sophisticated light-weight devices that have just become available in the last two years, said Carlson.

— jane braxton little, sacbee, "They've tried for years to catch a Sierra Nevada red fox. Now scientists have caught two | The Sacramento Bee," 8 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

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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