SOPHISTICATED Synonyms: 283 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

sophisticated 1 of 2

adjective

sə-ˈfi-stə-ˌkā-təd

Definition of sophisticated next

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

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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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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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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sophisticated

2 of 2

verb

past tense of sophisticate

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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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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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

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Recent Examples of sophisticated

Adjective

The collection reveals how styling a boxy striped polo with denim shorts, a vibrant yellow parka over a black jersey dress, or pinstripe suiting worn informally create silhouettes that are sophisticated and streamlined. —

Lisa Lockwood, WWD, 13 Feb. 2025 The dead-on fakes are created with sophisticated equipment and materials that sellers promise will pass muster with eagle-eyed staffers at bars, not to mention marijuana dispensaries. —

Kaja Andric, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2025 Harvard-Westlake isn’t the only school allowing its students to get on-the-job experience, but the school certainly has put together one of the more sophisticated and professional operations. —

Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 12 Feb. 2025 Among the equipment recovered from the balloon were a satellite communication module, sensors and other sophisticated surveillance equipment, some of which was housed in a foam cooler, Newsweek reported, citing two sources with direct knowledge of a U.S. military technical analysis. —

Stephen Sorace, Fox News, 11 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for sophisticated

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sophisticated

Adjective

The case for reunification has to be made on this cosmopolitan basis.

— Ralph Leonard, The Atlantic, 4 Feb. 2025
Her work, which features bespoke furnishings, intricate architectural details, and sharp attention to form and scale, equalizes Nordic minimalism with cosmopolitan elegance.

— Rachel Gallaher, Robb Report, 2 Feb. 2025