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 of sophistication

• 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

Its mechanical sophistication would not reappear in comparable form for more than a millennium. —Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 30 May 2026

Moriarty is a Professor of Criminal Psychology at Durham University but leads a secret double life as the mastermind behind every crime of sophistication in the North of England. —Max Goldbart, Deadline, 28 May 2026

Rooted in storytelling, memory and material refinement, Moonface is a collection of sculptural wall lights that balances playful form with timeless sophistication. —Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 28 May 2026

The organizations that struggle will be the ones that chase technical sophistication while neglecting the people who apply it. —Usman Shuja, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026

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