sophistication

noun

so·​phis·​ti·​ca·​tion sə-ˌfi-stə-ˈkā-shən 

1

a

: the use of sophistry : sophistic reasoning

b

: sophism, quibble

2

: the process or result of becoming cultured, knowledgeable, or disillusioned

especially : cultivation, urbanity

3

: the process or result of becoming more complex, developed, or subtle

Synonyms of sophistication

• complexity
• complexness

Examples of sophistication in a Sentence

the engine's sophistication requires that all repairs be done by an experienced mechanic

Recent Examples on the Web

Anti-satellite measures—including jamming, hacking, dazzling, and spoofing—are now being explored at varying degrees of sophistication by more than a dozen countries including the US, China, Russia, India, Iran, and North Korea. —Michael P. Dempsey, Forbes.com, 5 June 2026

This operational sophistication and strategic case management have not only been the x-factor in growing the firm’s advantages with personnel and litigation might, but also a key to amplifying the PIE framework. —K. H. Koehler, USA Today, 3 June 2026

However, the scale and sophistication of the passageway discovered under the Buy 4 Less was particularly notable, prosecutors said. —Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2026

Black culture was shaping music, fashion, language, film, and politics, but there wasn’t a mainstream publication reflecting its full power, sophistication, and authentic influence. —Datwon Thomas, VIBE.com, 2 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for sophistication

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Medical Definition

sophistication

noun

so·​phis·​ti·​ca·​tion sə-ˌfis-tə-ˈkā-shən 

: the process or result of making impure or weak : adulteration

sophistication of a drug