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

Additional jolts of sophistication come courtesy of a custom Area Environments wall covering, a gold mirror from Made Goods, Jiun Ho sconces, and German photographer Ellen von Unwerth’s black and white snapshot of a carefree Naomi Campbell. — Alia Akkam, Architectural Digest, 13 July 2026

The Psychology Shift The global beauty market is forecast to exceed $650 billion over the coming years, yet perhaps the biggest transformation isn’t the scale of the industry but the sophistication of the consumer. — Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

Each test demonstrated increasing technical sophistication and explosive yield. — Ethan Teekah, Encyclopedia Britannica, 10 July 2026

The sophistication of the bomb used indicates that more than one perpetrator was involved, prosecutors said at the time. — Daria Tarasova-Markina, CNN Money, 7 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