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

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of sophisticated

Adjective

The nutty warmth of Pistachio adds depth to the marshmallow sweetness, creating this irresistible dessert-like aroma that’s sophisticated enough for daily wear. —

Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 27 Dec. 2024 The culture is known for its complex social structure, mound-building and sophisticated use of the resources found in the local environment, which included coastline, estuaries and small islands, that enabled the group to thrive without relying on agriculture. —

David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Dec. 2024 Nell Zink’s sophisticated, rambunctiously comic novels have ranged ambitiously across time and space, from 1960s rural Virginia (Mislaid) to 1980s downtown New York (Doxology) to present-day Berlin—the setting of her new one, Sister Europe (Knopf). —

Vogue, 26 Dec. 2024 As each year passes, the complexities of cybersecurity and the more sophisticated threats grow. —

Chuck Brooks, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sophisticated

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sophisticated

Adjective

Andermatt, a burgeoning community sequestered high in the Swiss Alps, has long attracted a cosmopolitan clientele with its cinematic beauty.

Gabriella Le Breton, Robb Report, 7 Dec. 2024
As one of Asia’s most liveable cities, Hong Kong is a vibrant cosmopolitan hub that offers amazing culture, diverse cuisines and world-class entertainment.

New CIES Contributor, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024