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 increasing sophistication of cyber threats demands that leaders proactively safeguard their organizations, data and stakeholders. —Anri Amir David, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025

Alala Inspired by New York City and a downtown sophistication, the luxury activewear brand was founded by Denise Lee in 2014. —Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 24 Feb. 2025

These efforts contribute to positioning cannabis as a symbol of modern sophistication. Events and Festivals: Celebrating Cannabis Culture Major festivals and events have emerged as powerful catalysts for changing public perception. —Matt Rozo, The Mercury News, 24 Feb. 2025

It’s anchored by an actress, Marion Cotillard, who has one of the great faces, and a classical sophistication with a glamorous, out-of-reach noirish beauty that pairs wonderfully with a creature cut out of Hans Christian Andersen: amorous, elusive, but wounded. —Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 16 Feb. 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