1 sophistication | Definition of sophistication

sophistication

noun
so·​phis·​ti·​ca·​tion | \ sə-ˌfi-stə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce sophistication (audio) \

Definition of sophistication

1a : the use of sophistry : sophistic reasoning
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

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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

Bonus, this famous check is a great way to integrate some daring pops of color into your more subdued wardrobe while maintaining a comfortable level of sophistication. Lauren Hubbard, Town & Country, "8 Preppy Essentials That Should Be On Your Fall Style Checklist," 5 Aug. 2019 Waiters rushing to light my cigarettes seemed the height of sophistication. Garnett Kilberg Cohen, The New Yorker, "My Life in Smoke," 25 Aug. 2019 Champagne flows liberally as loudspeakers pump out classical music, adding an air of sophistication to an already high-brow affair. Fortune, "Letter From Pebble Beach: What a Disappointing Classic Car Auction Tells us About the 1%—and the Economy," 24 Aug. 2019 The style of play of Chelsea and Leicester City could become a testimony to the increased sophistication of the Premier League. Frank Dell’apa, BostonGlobe.com, "Early indications aren’t promising for Chelsea FC," 19 Aug. 2019 Frasier Crane’s spacious condo in Seattle’s fictional Elliott bay Towers was an homage to 1990s sophistication. Megan Barber, Curbed, "The best decor to shop from your favorite TV shows," 13 Aug. 2019 Thanks to the increasing sophistication of smartphone technology, hackers soon may be able to intercept and analyze the sounds of typing—and figure out exactly what people are writing on their devices. Matthew Kassel, WSJ, "Hackers May Soon Be Able to Tell What You’re Typing—Just By Hearing You Type," 4 June 2019 The constantly changing tempo, meter, style and tone of the piece pointed to the sophistication of Shepard’s pen and the students’ nimbleness in addressing this work. Howard Reich, chicagotribune.com, "Russell Gunn gets creative with Columbia students," 16 Mar. 2018 Arrive at the St Sophia, the Church of Divine wisdom and a testament to the sophistication of the 6th Century. Karen Fedorko Sefer, Town & Country, "How to Plan a Trip to Istanbul," 5 Oct. 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sophistication.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of sophistication

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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More Definitions for sophistication

sophistication

noun
so·​phis·​ti·​ca·​tion | \ sə-ˌfis-tə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce sophistication (audio) \

Medical Definition of sophistication

: the process or result of making impure or weak : adulteration sophistication of a drug

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