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

What’s astonishing, though, is that at the birth of urban parkland, these refuges from urban chaos were designed with such enduring sophistication. —Justin Davidson, Curbed, 14 Apr. 2026

While leopard and zebra prints are bona fide staples for maximalist moments, tortoiseshell patterns offer a subdued sophistication. —Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 13 Apr. 2026

This British name just exudes a sense of sophistication. —Lydia Wang, Parents, 12 Apr. 2026

Near the beginnings of our respective careers, we were separately introduced to one such cocktail that seemed like the height of sophistication to young, budding industry professionals. —Jerry & Krista Slater, AJC.com, 12 Apr. 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