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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to complex
to make complex or difficult
there's no need to sophisticate something that is beautiful in its simplicity
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to dilute
to alter (something) for the worse with the addition of foreign or lower-grade substances
vanilla extract that has been sophisticated with corn syrup
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sophisticate
Vikram Murthi, Vulture, 4 Mar. 2024
Our whole watch staff has been struck by the pale green watches of early 2024, by how the calm color sophisticates and distinguishes a watch without falling into overstatement, ostentation, or bling.
—Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 19 Apr. 2024
Jon Stojan, USA TODAY, 14 Jan. 2024
Plus, the vegan leather accents, as Oprah mentioned, really sophisticate the piece and pull its colors together.
—Kayla Blanton, Peoplemag, 28 Nov. 2023
See All Example Sentences for sophisticate
Noun
The idea, which came from screenwriter Richard Curtis, was to have two upper-middle-class urban sophisticates subbing in for the rural Wayne archetype.
—Vikram Murthi, Vulture, 4 Mar. 2024
Our whole watch staff has been struck by the pale green watches of early 2024, by how the calm color sophisticates and distinguishes a watch without falling into overstatement, ostentation, or bling.
—Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 19 Apr. 2024
Verb
Rapid digital transformations have sophisticated modern consumers expecting seamless, personalized brand interactions across channels — transient engagements that must delight customers to earn their loyalty.
—Jon Stojan, USA TODAY, 14 Jan. 2024
Plus, the vegan leather accents, as Oprah mentioned, really sophisticate the piece and pull its colors together.
—Kayla Blanton, Peoplemag, 28 Nov. 2023
See All Example Sentences for sophisticate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sophisticate
Noun
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Whereas descendants of the British are much more classically viewed as cosmopolitans.—
Isaac Chotiner,
The New Yorker,
19 Feb. 2025
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Wildlife fanatics flock to Masai Mara for once-in-a-lifetime safaris, beach lovers island-hop through the turquoise waters of the Lamu Archipelago, and cosmopolitans appreciate Nairobi's growing culinary and art scene.—
Hannah Towey,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Oct. 2024
Verb
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Brands dilute their messaging to reach the widest audience possible.—
Angelique Kuiper,
Rolling Stone,
5 Mar. 2025
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While the absence of inclusion for people of color, women, and the economically disadvantaged remains painfully evident, true inclusion could potentially dilute the distinct cultural characteristics that have enriched our communities and our nation.—
Lewis M. Rambo,
Twin Cities,
2 Mar. 2025
Verb
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That’s the one thing that could get complicated, at least from a hitter’s perspective.—
LaMond Pope,
Chicago Tribune,
10 Mar. 2025
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Figuring out the best time to apply can be complicated.—
Liz Weston,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Grease dirtied the handles of the ovens, the microwave ovens and the coolers.—
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
14 Feb. 2025
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Instead of dirtying a larger pot for your supporting dishes, this quaint cooker will come in handy for quick (or slower simmering) concoctions while matching your kitchen atmosphere.—
Sophia Beams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Chain of events The malware was loaded in four stages, each of which acted as a building block for the next.—
Dan Goodin,
Ars Technica,
7 Mar. 2025
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The other was allegedly found on a shelf next to the safe, which state police claimed was improperly stored and loaded, according to the warrant affidavit.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
7 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Today sends a message to every cartel leader, every trafficker, every criminal poisoning our communities: You will be held accountable.—
Polo Sandoval,
CNN,
27 Feb. 2025
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Sergio Pino’s attorney Deanna Shifrin denied the poisoning allegations, pointing to comments Tatiana made in a December 2023 deposition stating that no healthcare provider had concluded she had been poisoned.—
Douglas Hanks,
Miami Herald,
27 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Dermatologists may debate the finer points but tend to agree on the virtues of a gentle cleanser, thinning down the rationale for anything else to a soap sliver.—
Matt Fuchs,
TIME,
3 Mar. 2025
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Attrition is a cheat code for thinning the federal workforce.—
Nicholas Florko,
The Atlantic,
27 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Within the scheme’s first week, traffic had fallen by 7.5%, with 273,000 fewer cars entering Manhattan’s central business district, and travel times on inbound river crossings had been cut by more than a third, leading to faster bus journeys.—
Laurie Winkless,
Forbes,
12 Mar. 2025
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But dramatically cutting calories isn’t practical for most people.—
Alice Park,
TIME,
11 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sophisticate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sophisticate. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.
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