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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
To create lasting value, Tumi has built a sophisticated, tiered content architecture rooted in cohesive storytelling. Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2025 For the best solution, computer simulation methods must be as sophisticated in representing the flow patterns in time as in the flow patterns in space. Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
Entire ecosystems of expertise had blossomed in academia and government to model the scenarios that might lead to Armageddon, and the resulting game theory, though sophisticated, was relatively straightforward. Andreas Kluth, Twin Cities, 17 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sophisticated
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sophisticated
Adjective
  • The cosmopolitan Sajet was born in Nigeria to Dutch parents, and was raised in Australia.
    Jim Higgins, jsonline.com, 3 Sep. 2025
  • As one of Europe’s most cosmopolitan cities, travelers can enjoy days in the English capital feasting on flavors of the world, followed by nights at storied hotels where royals, celebrities, and dignitaries are among the familiar faces.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • When my father showed the then-curator of the Musée d’Horlogerie the enamels in our collection, she was blown away by the exquisite quality and intricate details of our enamels and jeweled pieces.
    Kyle Roderick, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • This image depicts intricate frost formations on the frozen surface of Lake Harriet during an Arctic Blast in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on January 20, 2025.
    Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • From romantic florals to elegant damasks and bucolic toile scenes, old-world wallpaper is making a grand and graceful return.
    Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Sep. 2025
  • That honest, messy middle—where ambition meets uncertainty and growth doesn’t always look graceful—has been essential in making Issa’s work so resonant and enduring.
    Essence, Essence, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • For the most detailed and accurate soil tests, send your samples to a soil lab.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Together the trio will execute their detailed schemes.
    Joan MacDonald, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The election is complicated by the fact that Brown faces felony fraud charges.
    Josh Bergeron, Charlotte Observer, 7 Sep. 2025
  • This year, however, her 17-year-old stepdaughter made a request that has complicated everything.
    Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Through his testimony and memories, the filmmakers add a poignant note about the grandeur and unique appeal that cinema held decades ago — a status that has since been diluted with the proliferation of other entertainment media.
    Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Reality check required Last month, Mercedes CEO Ola Kaellenius joined other auto industry leaders using strong language to demand the EU’s CO2 plan be killed or diluted.
    Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • See our review The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is bigger and smarter, just don’t expect more power The six-figure 2025 Lexus LX Hybrid takes full-size luxury to new heights.
    Mark Phelan, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Portable smart tire pressure monitors screw onto the valve stem and connect to your phone, offering real-time updates and alerts for slow leaks.
    Melanie Marshall, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This goes up to six to eight weeks when the fracture is more complex.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • In order to embolden and support his organization, bin Laden often videotaped himself with messages aimed at his target audience, established training centers in Afghanistan, had an expansive funding network that included wealthy individuals, couriers, mosques and other complex ways to raise funds.
    Richard Frankel, ABC News, 11 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sophisticated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sophisticated. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

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