sophistication

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noun so·phis·ti·ca·tion \ sə-ˌfi-stə-ˈkā-shən \

Definition of sophistication

1 a :the use of sophistry :sophistic reasoning

b :sophism, quibble

2 :the process or result of becoming cultured, knowledgeable, or disillusioned; especially :cultivation, urbanity

3 :the process or result of becoming more complex, developed, or subtle

Examples of sophistication in a Sentence

the engine's sophistication requires that all repairs be done by an experienced mechanic

Recent Examples of sophistication from the Web

Some players at this year’s U.S. Open are making daring fashion choices that scream everything from shimmering sophistication to retro dorky.

— james martinez, The Seattle Times, "US Open fashion: Crystals, shapes and knee-high socks," 29 Aug. 2017
If a road trip is more your speed, cruise to Weston, where charming storefronts, tobacco barns and a distillery deliver small town sophistication.

— kara lewis,, kansascity, "Countdown to your most fall KC weekend ever," 24 Aug. 2017
Richard arrives at the school on a scholarship, and immediately becomes enthralled by the sophistication and seemingly limitless disposable income of his classmates, fabricating a more glamorous past for himself in order to fit into their clique.

— anna silman, The Cut, "The Secret History Is Still the Book I Recommend to Everyone," 24 Aug. 2017
In Homearama homes, that feel is contrasted with crystal lighting fixtures, Old World designs, and stones such marble and granite to add sophistication.

— madeleine winer, The Courier-Journal, "Homearama 2017: What are the hottest housing trends right now?," 28 July 2017
All this suggests unusual sophistication and strength.

— The Economist, "Winning the war with IS in the Philippines, but losing the peace," 20 July 2017
The payoff is a fun, colorful gallery filled with familiar and inspirational works drawn from the eclectic sophistication of New Orleans.

— NOLA.com, "4 cool new shops and galleries to discover around New Orleans," 8 July 2017
The sheer enormity and sophistication of Foxconn would send ripples of turbulence across the region unlike previous industrial newcomers.

— john schmid, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Foxconn forces Wisconsin to confront acute shortage of automation-age tech workers," 8 July 2017
After debuting in 2012, Elliott's brand of easy-going L.A. staples brought a new level of sophistication and sharp edges to the typical hoodie-and-sweats combo.

— jake woolf, GQ, "Scott Disick Is the Stylish Guy American Men Are Actually Dressing Like," 4 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sophistication.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of sophistication

15th century

sophistication Synonyms

Synonyms

complexness, complicacy, complicatedness, complication, elaborateness, intricacy, intricateness, involution, knottiness, complexity

Antonyms

plainness, simpleness, simplicity

Related Words

diversity, heterogeneity, heterogeneousness, multifariousness; impenetrability, incomprehensibility, inexplicability

Near Antonyms

simplification; homogeneity, uniformity

Medical Dictionary

sophistication

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noun so·phis·ti·ca·tion \ sə-ˌfis-tə-ˈkā-shən \

medical Definition of sophistication

:the process or result of making impure or weak :adulteration

sophistication of a drug

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See words that rhyme with sophistication Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for sophistication Spanish Central: Translation of sophistication Nglish: Translation of sophistication for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of sophistication for Arabic speakers

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sophistication

Definition of sophistication

Examples of sophistication in a Sentence

Recent Examples of sophistication from the Web

First Known Use of sophistication

sophistication Synonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Words

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Medical Dictionary

sophistication

medical Definition of sophistication

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