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

Early on, the home featured Herman Miller furniture, accessories from Gump’s, and décor by Knorr & Associates — a specific and tasty cocktail of midcentury California sophistication. —David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 24 Mar. 2026

These findings held across income levels; financial sophistication provides no protection. —New York Daily News, 21 Mar. 2026

The March 2026 wave was notable for both scale and sophistication. —Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 21 Mar. 2026

At Kilian, find the new Forbidden Games fragrance, with notes of peach, rose, honey, jasmine and black currant for a fruity fragrance with sophistication. —Claire Peltier, ABC News, 20 Mar. 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