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

Not the quality of the presentation, the sophistication of the methodology, or even the speed of the initial improvement. — Peter Follows, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026

She has been criticized as too direct for those who prefer female softness, too dry for those who mistake composure for distance, and, at various points, judged through racial expectations that flattened the sophistication of her achievement. — Debbie Millman, Time, 25 July 2026

And Christopher Lee, as the blind prophet Tiresias, and Irene Papas, as Odysseus’ mother, add an air of sophistication to the whole affair. — Elaina Patton, IndieWire, 24 July 2026

Concerned that the programs’ growing sophistication could induce emotional dependency and addiction, China last week banned minors from using AI companions and imposed additional requirements on platforms to prevent misuse. — Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 23 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