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

• complexity
• complexness
• complicacy
• complicatedness
• complication
• elaborateness
• intricacy
• intricateness
• involution
• knottiness

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

The store was described as featuring a mix of Disneyland’s energy and Paris’ sophistication by Jean-Marc Bellaiche, chief executive officer. —Renan Botelho, WWD, 21 Mar. 2025

As threats grow in sophistication and frequency, security teams will only need more resources, funding, tools and people. —David Monnier, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025

This level of sophistication in sensor technology opens up new possibilities for research and development in AR applications. —Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 20 Mar. 2025

The palette is restricted to colors that exude sophistication, including bourbon suede, olive leather, and black lacquer finishes. —Mecca Pryor, Essence, 14 Mar. 2025

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