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sophisticated

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verb

past tense of sophisticate

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
In addition, Russia, China, Japan, Britain, India, and NATO have their own ocean surveillance systems, though none that are anywhere near as sophisticated or extensive as the American one. New Atlas, 26 Apr. 2025 The pullover style has a sophisticated notch neckline and side vents for easy movement. Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 25 Apr. 2025 The song resurrects the romantic decadence of the early ’70s crooners — evoking icons like José José and Camilo Sesto — while infusing it with cool, sophisticated beats that feel intimate and cinematic. Griselda Flores, Billboard, 25 Apr. 2025 For a timeless and sophisticated look, this warm, medium-toned greige is Whitley's pick. Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 25 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sophisticated
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sophisticated
Adjective
  • At its height, Tombstone was highly cosmopolitan, drawing fortune-seekers from all over the world.
    Richard Grant, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Mar. 2025
  • Rapidly growing art and tech scenes have added to the gravitational pull of Los Angeles and its warm weather, beaches, and many cosmopolitan delights in the Pacific time zone.
    Chloe Arrojado, AFAR Media, 28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Straightforward shapes like circles and triangles become intricate and complex in his treatments, enticing viewers and demanding to be examined closely.
    Stephanie Rudig, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Apr. 2025
  • The ornate dress married sheer dressing with a romantic sensibility, featuring a flowing skirt and sleeveless bodice with intricate mesh work.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • France is a culture of manners, of eloquence, of graceful behavior, as if life itself, from the grandly public to the intimately domestic, were essentially performative, requiring constant self-control.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Originally built in 1895, the residence sits on more than three acres and includes a formal garden, a tranquil reflecting pond, and a graceful limestone-domed gazebo.
    Zlata Kozul Naumovski, Architectural Digest, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The teen, who hails from the English city of Chelmsford, underwent more detailed scans at his follow-up appointment, when doctors discovered a large tumor in his brain — a diffuse glioma, stage 4.
    Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Creating Strategy Without Meaning Many leaders mistake detailed strategic plans for true vision.
    Nirmal Chhabria, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • How To Use Apple Cider Vinegar To Clean Apple cider vinegar, sometimes referred to as ACV, should always be diluted for cleaning purposes.
    Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 12 Apr. 2025
  • As the water diluted the stains, the fabric faded to a soft pink.
    Rebecca Ruth Gould, JSTOR Daily, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Her principles opened our eyes to this smart, eco-conscious way to design any room.
    Paige Porter Fischer, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Yamaha started with their largest offshore outboard, the XTO 450, and made some smart changes to handle hydrogen.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, FOXNews.com, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The Princess of Wales is coming off a very complicated year.
    Blanche Marcel, Glamour, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Admittedly, the show started to lose some momentum in later seasons as subplots and shifting relationships became more complicated.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 27 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Blending Islamic and secular visions for the new nation, the five pillars are a belief in God, civilized humanity, national unity, democracy, and social justice for all.
    Lindsey McGinnis, Christian Science Monitor, 1 May 2025
  • Far removed from and entirely without protection of the courts of civilized life, these fortune-seekers made laws to meet their varying emergencies.
    Liz Tracey, JSTOR Daily, 21 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sophisticated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sophisticated. Accessed 6 May. 2025.

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