Definition of sophisticatenext
as in cosmopolitan
a person with the outlook, experience, and manners thought to be typical of big city dwellers sophisticates laughing at people they thought of as hicks

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 sophisticate
Noun
International sophisticates of every age, seasonal trade-fair young professionals, glamour puss models, honeymooners, couples with kids in tow, heads of state and some of the world’s biggest film stars. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Apr. 2026 The novel was adapted into a 1965 film, with Caine in a star-making performance as Deighton’s protagonist, a sardonic working-class sophisticate with a love of gourmet food. Jill Lawless, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2026
Verb
This new era champions sophisticated, functional style beyond the water's edge. Corein Carter, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026 Artificial intelligence and the expansion of remote and virtual care mean that malicious hackers have sophisticated new tools and increased opportunities to target hospitals. Jeffrey Tully, Fortune, 26 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sophisticate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sophisticate
Noun
  • As long as the overall drink remains sufficiently boozy, cocktails that contain citrus—such as margaritas, daiquiris, and cosmopolitans—can also work well or just require a few slight tweaks.
    Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 13 June 2026
  • That principle has crumbled so far in the face of Wembanyama’s combination of incomprehensible on-court abilities, youthful enthusiasm and cosmopolitan-unto-eccentric savoir faire.
    Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 9 June 2026
Verb
  • The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the Washington area, which could complicate plans for fireworks displays, including the show the president will attend in Washington.
    Kyla Guilfoil, NBC news, 5 July 2026
  • The family's plans have been complicated by ongoing security concerns.
    Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026
Verb
  • In other words, expanding loyalty beyond hotels does not have to dilute the hotel business.
    Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • Han credits the international team with sharpening his instincts rather than diluting them.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 28 June 2026
Verb
  • The spoon even comes with measuring lines for a teaspoon and tablespoon, saving you from having to dirty another utensil.
    Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 26 June 2026
  • The zipper shoe compartment keeps your shoes from dirtying up your clothing, and the massive interior can hold many outfits for your weekend getaway.
    Olivia Dubyak, Travel + Leisure, 9 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Dominic Canzone and Randy Arozarena walked to load the bases with one out before Josh Naylor struck out swinging.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • Whether it's stored inside an apartment, packed into an SUV for a weekend getaway, or loaded into an RV before hitting the road, its compact folding frame makes transportation and storage remarkably simple.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • Many of her victims were poisoned and buried around the boarding house, with Puente cashing their social security checks.
    Selome Hailu, Variety, 7 July 2026
  • Chism’s defense asked that the court not release the affidavit, citing there was no legitimate purpose to release at this time and that doing so could poison any future jury pool.
    Sofi Zeman, Kansas City Star, 6 July 2026
Verb
  • Offices begin thinning out by Thursday, grills run through the weekend, and by Tuesday morning the out-of-office replies come down and the machine restarts.
    Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • Select lots of the thinning hair shampoo have been recalled due to the presence of Pluralibacter gergoviae bacteria.
    Kara Nesvig, Allure, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • The lineup already was revving, as Rushing homered in the second inning while Sasaki was still in the game, and both Kyle Tucker and Muncy drove in runs off starter Randy Vasquez in the third, cutting the deficit to two.
    Liana Handler Follow, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • Potential applications beyond wind energy The researchers believe the manufacturing approach could cut production costs for small wind turbines and help more people use lightweight renewable energy technology.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 3 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sophisticate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sophisticate. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster