sophistication

noun

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

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

Synonyms

• complexity
• complexness

Examples of sophistication in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

An elegant property that epitomizes Lake Como sophistication, this Liberty-style house was built in 1909 and has been restored to emphasize its Art Nouveau character. —Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 8 July 2025

Expect his signature head-turning silhouettes, sophistication and feminine strength, as well as embroidery that serves as both intricate decoration and armor. —Felicity Carter, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025

In a stunning discovery — both in agricultural sophistication and geographic location — researchers have found ancestors of the Menominee Nation of Wisconsin were growing tropical corn in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula about 1,000 years ago. —Frank Vaisvilas, jsonline.com, 8 July 2025

In all, there was a preppy American feel intertwined with French sophistication in the looks. —Alice Pfeiffer, CNN Money, 7 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for sophistication

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Medical Definition

sophistication

noun

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

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

sophistication of a drug