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

Luxury brands often use color names to evoke sophistication and exclusivity. — Usa Today, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2026

His debonair manner—which came to embody an American ideal of sophistication even more than an English one—was as hard-won as Edmund Hillary’s summit. — Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026

My mom has an eye for detail, and this button-down jumpsuit has that trending gingham print, a waist-cinching corset bodice, and pleats for extra sophistication. — Alyssa Morin, InStyle, 5 Sep. 2026

Clooney brought her signature combination of sophistication and femininity to the occasion, sliding into a pair of trendy mule heels. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 4 Sep. 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