A sophist. / (dated, UK, US, universities) A student who is advanced beyond the first year of their residence.

plural of sophister

Pertaining to the ancient sophists. / Sophistical.

(historical, philosophy) The sophists of antiquity, in general or of a specific period; their beliefs and method.

In a sophistical fashion.

present participle of sophisticate

One who sophisticates.

plural of sophisticator

One of a class of teachers of rhetoric, philosophy, and politics in ancient Greece. / (figuratively) A teacher who uses plausible but fallacious reasoning.

Alternative letter-case form of sophistic