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

• 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

Once the decor of royalty, tapestries have evolved to bring sophistication and style to today's homes. —Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 June 2025

Corbin sang tearfully, with a preternatural elegance and sophistication. —Eamon Whalen, Rolling Stone, 26 June 2025

Burnett’s palm-treed ironic paradise achieves something like Agnès Varda’s gentle blend of reality and artifice — sophistication. —Armond White, National Review, 25 June 2025

As the age of artificial general intelligence (AGI) rapidly approaches, we are already overwhelmed by the power of AI cyberattacks due to their speed, creativity and sophistication. —Carlo Tortora Brayda, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025

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