Crossword Genius

Sophisticated judge in journalist (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

refined

'sophisticated' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

'judge in journalist' is the wordplay.
'judge' becomes 'ref' (referee).
'journalist' becomes 'ed' (short for editor).
'ref'+'in'+'ed'='REFINED'

(Other definitions for refined that I've seen before include "Purified, oil say" , "Urbane" , "Not coarse" , "Free from vulgarity" , "Freed from impurities by processing" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app