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sophisticated

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verb

past tense of sophisticate

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective sophisticated differ from other similar words?

The words blasé and worldly-wise are common synonyms of sophisticated. While all three words mean "experienced in the ways of the world," sophisticated often implies refinement, urbanity, cleverness, and cultivation.

guests at her salon were usually rich and sophisticated

When might blasé be a better fit than sophisticated?

The meanings of blasé and sophisticated largely overlap; however, blasé implies a lack of responsiveness to common joys as a result of a real or affected surfeit of experience and cultivation.

blasé travelers who claimed to have been everywhere

In what contexts can worldly-wise take the place of sophisticated?

Although the words worldly-wise and sophisticated have much in common, worldly-wise suggests a close and practical knowledge of the affairs and manners of society and an inclination toward materialism.

a worldly-wise woman with a philosophy of personal independence

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of sophisticated
Adjective
The race by both sides to develop increasingly sophisticated and deadlier drones has turned the war into a testing ground for new weaponry. Illia Novikov, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2025 The upper is made of a breathable cotton-linen blend, and the shoes have an accent trim that gives them a sophisticated appearance. Genevieve Cepeda, Travel + Leisure, 26 June 2025 The account falsely opened in Middlesex’s name, and many others like it, are way stations in a sophisticated multistep money laundering process that transports cash from U.S. scam victims to crime syndicate bosses in Asia. Cezary Podkul, ProPublica, 25 June 2025 Designer Rosanna Bossom and new owner Tara MacBain have blended a sophisticated touch with the exuberance of the 1970s in what was once a sort of gentlemen’s club, and that is now open to everyone, with an alfresco terrace emphasizing its unwavering attachment to the neighborhood. Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for sophisticated
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sophisticated
Adjective
  • The Geneva–Lausanne region offers a unique blend of access to alpine adventure, lakeside leisure and cosmopolitan living.
    Lysanne Currie, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
  • But Howard notes even this was part of turning sections of a city into public, cosmopolitan spaces that incorporated both people of different social status and ideas from around the world.
    Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • Sharper, higher quality steel blades are manufactured by a Swiss company specializing in intricate watch components, and the program lets each attendee choose their own mix of blades and accessories.
    Larry Olmsted, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • The brand scouts artisans around the world who specialize in various techniques, from intricate embroidery to weaving, beadwork and tailoring.
    Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • The chrysoprase cabochons on a necklace from the house’s 2025 high-jewelry collection demonstrate their enduringly graceful symmetry.
    Jill Newman, Robb Report, 29 June 2025
  • The unlikely but true tale of a multimillion dollar, inside job heist, the 2016 film is a crazy cinematic ride with a who’s who of A-list funny folk and moments hilariously dumb and graceful, romantic and ruinous.
    Lesley O'Toole, Variety, 10 June 2025
Adjective
  • The Women’s European Championship gets under way on Wednesday and our writers have spent recent months studying the teams to bring you detailed guides for all of the 16 competing nations.
    The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 29 June 2025
  • With more powerful telescopes and new printing technologies, astronomers began applying the cartographic tools of geographers to create the first detailed maps of the planet’s surface, filling it in with continents and seas, and in some cases features that could have been produced by life.
    Matthew Shindell, Space.com, 29 June 2025
Verb
  • How To Use Apple Cider Vinegar To Clean Apple cider vinegar, sometimes referred to as ACV, should always be diluted for cleaning purposes.
    Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 12 Apr. 2025
  • As the water diluted the stains, the fabric faded to a soft pink.
    Rebecca Ruth Gould, JSTOR Daily, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • He’s evaluated everything from TVs and soundbars to smart gadgets and wearables, ...
    Parker Hall, Wired News, 21 June 2025
  • Right now, Meta pretty much owns the smart glasses space and these specs could help cement that leadership.
    David Phelan, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
Adjective
  • Many of the children have trauma and complicated needs, and one of the responses may be to run away.
    Ginny Monk, Hartford Courant, 27 June 2025
  • Over and over, Victor argues for the emotional experience of suffering, that recovering from terrible trauma is genuinely complicated.
    Paul A. Thompson, Pitchfork, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • Iran has been stringing along international watchdogs and civilized nations for years regarding its nuclear program.
    Editorial, Boston Herald, 18 June 2025
  • The whole world, the United States, and Europe must finally respond as a civilized society responds to terrorists.
    Isabel van Brugen, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sophisticated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sophisticated. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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