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

Summary Paros, a serene Cycladic island, is home to Avant Mar, a resort celebrated for its relaxed sophistication, particularly in its diverse food and beverage program. — Rachel Dube, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026

His humor was a combination of down-home Arkansas drawl and Yale University sophistication. — John Blumenthal, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026

The quiet luxury aesthetic is all about conveying subtle sophistication. — Kristine Gill, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Aug. 2026

The sophistication of model subterfuge that OpenAI has now disclosed, combined with OpenAI’s inability to detect or stop the hacking, suggests far worse could be to come. — Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 12 Aug. 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