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

The culinary sophistication of ancient Rome brought pickling into sharper focus. —Literary Hub, 31 Mar. 2026

Some of these trades were so large, Khouw said, that whoever placed them would have needed tens of millions of dollars in margin reserves, indicating a considerable level of financial sophistication and wealth. —John Cassidy, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026

The company described cargo theft as a growing issue marked by increasing sophistication in the schemes used by criminals. —Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 30 Mar. 2026

Pleated panel curtains add sophistication without requiring a professional decorator. —Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 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