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

Against constant barrages of cheap, swarm-style suicide drones and cruise missiles, the depth of a military’s magazine has become just as critical as its technological sophistication. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 20 July 2026

The mass adoption of AI by bad actors has served as an accelerator, making the threat landscape more complex, and increasing the sophistication, scale and speed of attacks. — Ryan Grant, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

How did a society just getting to grips with the alphabet produce works of such sophistication? — Literary Hub, 17 July 2026

This Marriott Bonvoy property lives up to the elegance and sophistication of the brand, with clean timber interiors, neutral tones and pops of sapphire. — Katie Lockhart, Robb Report, 16 July 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