sophisticated 1 of 2

1
2
3
4

sophisticated

2 of 2

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
While its hip-length cut and sophisticated buttons call to mind the singer’s jacket, its slim-fitting silhouette looks more akin to the model’s coat. Averi Baudler, PEOPLE, 9 Nov. 2025 But that also means smuggling organizations are becoming more sophisticated and are taking greater risks, Saldivar said. Daniel Gonzalez, USA Today, 9 Nov. 2025
Verb
That third and final generation (2013 through 2017) was sophisticated by comparison to its predecessors, although drivers still had to stir their own six-speed gearbox and work a massive clutch pedal. Robert Ross, Robb Report, 28 Oct. 2025 The technology was sophisticated, but the experience was simply human. Medhat Zaki, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sophisticated
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sophisticated
Adjective
  • The Democratic Socialist's speech was peppered with an array of cosmopolitan references.
    Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Xi’s predecessor Jiang Zemin, who served as president between 1993 and 2003, was known for his flamboyant personality, cosmopolitan flair and willingness to show off his language skills and interact with journalists.
    Chris Lau, CNN Money, 4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Visharukh’s shrine to Khan is just one thread in an intricate tapestry of fandom.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Handmade in Japan, Akoni styles often feature titanium, plus proprietary hinges, screws, side shields, and adjustable temples that echo the intricate inner workings of timepieces.
    Naomi Rougeau, Robb Report, 9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Characterized by graceful, winding arms that spiral out from a bright central bulge, these systems are rich with both young and old stars, swirling gas and cosmic dust.
    Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 4 Nov. 2025
  • After winning over America with his epic one-liners and graceful skates, Olympic figure skater Adam Rippon tackled the dance floor alongside partner Jenna Johnson.
    Diana Pearl, PEOPLE, 4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The Associated Press learned the identities of four of the men - and pieced together details about at least five others - who were slain, providing the first detailed account of those who died in the strikes.
    NPR, NPR, 8 Nov. 2025
  • His views of their unconventional garments are painterly and romantic—expressionist evocations rather than detailed transcriptions of the clothes.
    Vince Aletti, New Yorker, 8 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Nonetheless, the book has complicated historians' efforts to understand the truth of what really happened during this pivotal moment in the history of science.
    Nell Greenfieldboyce, NPR, 7 Nov. 2025
  • This has given the conflict a religious coloration, and political elites have also chosen to politicize the conflict to negotiate power and other interests, which has complicated the problem.
    Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The Department of Justice sued Texas in 2021, alleging its maps diluted minority voting power, but the case ended before any ruling.
    Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Bleach should never be used on a mattress, even if it's diluted.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Food systems now account for about a third of global greenhouse gas emissions, but scientists say regenerative agriculture and climate-smart farming can help flip that into a future where farms also help grow climate solutions.
    Jeff Young, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Gerard Damiano was a smart guy, a hairdresser from the Bronx who directed Deep Throat and the follow-up, Devil in Miss Jones, which were killing it at the box office, high up on Variety’s Top 50 list of the highestgrossing films.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The reality is that housing production is a very complex issue.
    Kim Velsey, Curbed, 5 Nov. 2025
  • And the drive to solve complex problems started early.
    Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sophisticated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sophisticated. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on sophisticated

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!