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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
Keep scrolling to discover tailored pants, cashmere sweaters, sophisticated shoes, and more—all worthy of a first-class upgrade. Genevieve Cepeda, Travel + Leisure, 19 Oct. 2025 This supremely modern and sophisticated thriller ratchets up into vampire-locust horror, in the best way possible. Emma Specter, Vogue, 19 Oct. 2025
Verb
The technology was sophisticated, but the experience was simply human. Medhat Zaki, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025 With notes of caramel, maple sugar, and whipped coconut, Ellis Brooklyn’s latest launch proves that sweet can still be sophisticated. Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 12 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sophisticated
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sophisticated
Adjective
  • The only people standing around were those working on the project—a small, cosmopolitan crowd of Ivorian telecom officials, a Lebanese contractor with his two bright-yellow earthmovers, Greek cable technicians, an American ASN rep, and the Panamanian chief of a diving and welding company.
    Samanth Subramanian, The Dial, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Gothic cathedrals, art deco villas, vintage yellow trams, impeccably dressed signore, bright red Negronis glinting in the sun—these are some of the most classic symbols of Milan, but there’s a whole other side to the city, one that’s contemporary, cosmopolitan, and just plain cool.
    Laura Itzkowitz, AFAR Media, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The group remains committed to intricate harmonies, which are a source of the album’s unique pleasures.
    Hanif Abdurraqib, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2025
  • They are designed with intricate details and a grand gold rim that would pair perfectly with these Gold Acorn Appetizer Plates.
    Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Don’t miss the moment, grabbing these Demarson Odell Hoop Earrings, whose 12-karat gold and rhodium twist around each other in a graceful harmony.
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2025
  • During a visit here, travelers can swim with these large, graceful creatures and also see schools of fish and other sea life.
    Taylor McIntyre, Travel + Leisure, 5 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The Marine Corps will continue its investigation into the cause of the crash, a process that is standard for all aviation incidents, and can last several months, involving a detailed review of maintenance records, flight data, and environmental factors.
    Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Alexandra’s factory did not respond to a detailed list of questions from CNN.
    Ladan Anoushfar, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • For context, the woman, who identifies herself as a 26-year-old with three siblings, explained that the family dynamic has always been complicated.
    Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Amezcua, the mayor, said the raids have complicated local policing and rendered parents afraid to pick up their children from school.
    J. David McSwane, ProPublica, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The case focuses on a lower court ruling that determined that the previous version of Louisiana's congressional map unlawfully diluted Black voting power.
    NPR, NPR, 15 Oct. 2025
  • The plaintiffs argued that the new map was discriminatory because the voting power of Black citizens in the state was being illegally diluted.
    Sam D. Hayes, The Conversation, 13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Most successful forgers were smart and creative people, and many of their forgeries were consummate, even ingenious.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 16 Oct. 2025
  • What to know about the 'smart wall' at the Arizona border.
    Lorenzino Estrada, AZCentral.com, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • With natural, biodegradable, and inexpensive components, such batteries could one day provide an eco-friendly alternative for powering homes or small devices without relying on toxic metals or complex supply chains.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The full and final details of what would be a very complex operation for tax and legal reasons are still being worked out, sources said.
    Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sophisticated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sophisticated. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

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