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

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

Samsung says the data from its sensors will be fed to Home AI to create more sophisticated automations that can detect and respond to specific activities. —

Jennifer Pattison Tuohy, The Verge, 22 Jan. 2025 Some of the trends that emerged from the releases included: a focus on gem setting, chronographs galore, and sophisticated tweaks to timeless icons. —

Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 21 Jan. 2025 Upholstered Bench $319 $270 at Wayfair Adding a bench at the foot of your bed instantly elevates the look of your bedroom, giving it a more polished and sophisticated vibe. —

Brittney Morgan, Travel + Leisure, 20 Jan. 2025 The more concerning issue is that if young, inexperienced people can find a way into an airplane’s wheel well, could a sophisticated bad actor follow a similar pathway to gain access to airplanes? —

Sheldon H. Jacobson, Chicago Tribune, 20 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for sophisticated

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sophisticated

Adjective

Whether rustic beige or cosmopolitan gray, these card cases and billfolds are sure to put a smile on his face.

— Ian Malone, Vogue, 18 Jan. 2025
Through the brand’s immersive experience, Laminar is made for those who love experiences — whether cultural or with nature — and emphasizes the concept of community on both a local and cosmopolitan scale.

— Fairchild Studio, WWD, 17 Jan. 2025