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

Elevate your wardrobe with a doctor bag that can go with anything and add a touch of sophistication. —Hedy Phillips, People.com, 13 Mar. 2025

The collections were a mix of opulence, chic sophistication, and cutting-edge designs with intimacy on the runways. —Rhonda Richford, WWD, 12 Mar. 2025

Welcoming guests with distinctive design and sophistication, signature Vanderpump Alain finishes will adorn the bedrooms and public spaces, including an enhanced hotel reception and front desk area, in addition to an all-new lounge space. —Emma Kershaw, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025

But art to him was more than a proxy for cultural sophistication and a fat bank account. —Susan Tallman, The Atlantic, 12 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