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Definition of sophisticatednext
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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 Better Business Bureau says scammers are targeting renters and unsuspecting home sellers through sophisticated online schemes that have grown a lot over the years. T.j. Anthony, CBS News, 29 June 2026 Throughout Paris, collections appeared more grounded, sophisticated and wardrobe-oriented. Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 29 June 2026
Verb
Artificial intelligence and the expansion of remote and virtual care mean that malicious hackers have sophisticated new tools and increased opportunities to target hospitals. Jeffrey Tully, Fortune, 26 Mar. 2026 Artificial intelligence and the expansion of remote and virtual care mean that malicious hackers have sophisticated new tools and increased opportunities to target hospitals. Christian Dameff, The Conversation, 20 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sophisticated
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sophisticated
Adjective
  • This cool, cosmopolitan hotel is within walking distance of Bend’s best restaurants, shops, and the Deschutes River, and was named one of the best in the country by Tripadvisor users in 2025.
    Sierra Vandervort, Travel + Leisure, 20 June 2026
  • After the Danish‑Caribbean imprint of the Virgin Islands, San Juan introduces a wider, more cosmopolitan rhythm with Spanish colonial architecture, Afro‑Caribbean culture and the hum of a bustling Latin American city.
    David Dickstein, Oc Register, 17 June 2026
Adjective
  • Coben, who also serves as an executive producer, explains the difficulty of creating the intricate inner worlds of each character and their doubts about David, all while dropping hints that reveal David's innocence in each episode.
    Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026
  • The Arabesque necklace, for example, which requires 1,450 hours of work, features intricate rose gold illuminated by 18 fancy rose-cut diamonds.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • Their beauty also shapes traditional dance in Rwanda, with graceful movements performed by women who extend their arms to mimic the cows’ horns.
    ABC News, ABC News, 27 June 2026
  • The graceful trailing stems and showy flowers of climbing hydrangeas (Hydrangea anomala) look beautiful growing on pergolas and fences.
    Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • Tim Ferrito, leader of grassroots group Affordable Naperville, said the group was supportive of the city conducting a more detailed evaluation of the battery storage system and would like to see more information on the economic impact for Naperville.
    Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2026
  • The ministry maintains detailed casualty records that are seen as generally reliable by United Nations agencies and independent experts.
    Wafaa Shurafa, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2026
Verb
  • Robinson’s value is complicated, as the elite rim protector and offensive rebounder has a history of ankle surgeries, and he’s been played off of the court in the postseason due to his free-throw-shooting deficiencies.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 29 June 2026
  • Why Employees Still Struggle With Open Enrollment ​Benefits language is inherently complicated, and most employees aren't insurance experts.
    Sabra Sciolaro, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • The federal lawsuit, filed in September of 2024, alleged that the 2022 DeSoto County electoral map diluted Black voting power in county office elections.
    SIMEON GATES, ABC News, 25 June 2026
  • In conversations about culture, creativity and innovation, Black American contributions are often celebrated while simultaneously being misunderstood, diluted or folded into broader categories that fail to acknowledge their distinct roots.
    Corein Carter, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • Share a smart idea with a neighbor, then turn it into a clear message while your mind stays agile.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2026
  • The Knicks could, hypothetically, trade a starter to create space beneath the second apron to re-sign Robinson, but breaking up a starting five that just won a title is not a smart idea.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • Storms involve complex flows originating over a wide region and evolving in complicated ways.
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 27 June 2026
  • Police say the violence on Sydney’s streets is being orchestrated from abroad – and teenagers are being lured into the complex web of gang warfare with the promise of fast cash.
    Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 26 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sophisticated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sophisticated. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.

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