1
as in cosmopolitan
having a wide and refined knowledge of the world especially from personal experience
a surprisingly sophisticated and widely traveled child
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in intricate
having many parts or aspects that are usually interrelated
a very sophisticated machine that is a marvel of modern design
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3
as in graceful
having or showing very polished and worldly manners
a sophisticated gentleman, he is a welcomed guest at dinner parties all over town
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4
as in detailed
made or done with great care or with much detail
a sophisticated plan for totally redesigning the city's complicated traffic patterns
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1
as in complicated
to make complex or difficult
there's no need to sophisticate something that is beautiful in its simplicity
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2
as in diluted
to alter (something) for the worse with the addition of foreign or lower-grade substances
vanilla extract that has been sophisticated with corn syrup
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sophisticated
Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Jan. 2026
Computing companies like Dell and Cisco are expected to incorporate the new chips into their data centers, and AI labs such as OpenAI, Anthropic, Meta and xAI are likely to embrace the new tech for training and to provide more sophisticated answers to queries.
—Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 5 Jan. 2026
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
Adjective
Train English ivy to grow on a small trellis or topiary for a sophisticated look.
—Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Jan. 2026
Computing companies like Dell and Cisco are expected to incorporate the new chips into their data centers, and AI labs such as OpenAI, Anthropic, Meta and xAI are likely to embrace the new tech for training and to provide more sophisticated answers to queries.
—Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 5 Jan. 2026
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
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The Democratic Socialist's speech was peppered with an array of cosmopolitan references.—
Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
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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
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Visharukh’s shrine to Khan is just one thread in an intricate tapestry of fandom.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
9 Nov. 2025
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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
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But those struggles remain offscreen; Naïma’s season at the shelter is coming to an end, and the movie, graceful yet pragmatic, knows that not every story here can be told.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
2 Jan. 2026
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Her entry into this world was graceful, gentle and oh so magical.—
Emily Weaver,
PEOPLE,
30 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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Despite the two-month transition period since his November election, Calvo said he was not allowed to review detailed financial information about the city beyond public records such as the budget.—
Verónica Egui Brito,
Miami Herald,
12 Jan. 2026
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Most of the world's volcanoes that pose a risk to humans already have detailed maps of their interiors, but not Popocatépetl, despite the fact that some 25 million people live within a 62-mile radius and houses, schools, hospitals and five airports could be affected by an eruption.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
11 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Contrary to popular opinion, getting dressed does not need to be complicated — just take it from Pamela Anderson.—
Alyssa Grabinski,
PEOPLE,
12 Jan. 2026
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Pedroia’s Hall of Fame candidacy has always been complicated.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
11 Jan. 2026
Verb
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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
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Bleach should never be used on a mattress, even if it's diluted.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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An elastic waistband stays comfortable for hours, making this a smart pick for long flights or full travel days.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Jan. 2026
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There are smart-looking couples in the mix, too, snagging a romantic getaway in the heart of Austin—near live music, bars, and restaurants and just 10 miles from the airport.—
Kathryn Streeter,
Condé Nast Traveler,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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British officials downplayed the pause as temporary, insisting momentum would resume amid complex negotiations, but the impasse signals broader frustrations with Europe’s regulatory posture toward American innovation, market access, and economic sovereignty.—
Daniel Ross Goodman,
The Washington Examiner,
9 Jan. 2026
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Most of its joints can rotate fully, giving it flexibility for tight or complex spaces.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sophisticated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sophisticated. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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