1
: having acquired mastery of or skill in something (such as a technique or a trade)
skilled in the art of negotiation
2
: of, relating to, or requiring workers or labor with skill and training in a particular occupation, craft, or trade
Choose the Right Synonym for skilled

proficient, adept, skilled, skillful, expert mean having great knowledge and experience in a trade or profession.

proficient implies a thorough competence derived from training and practice.

proficient in translating foreign languages

adept implies special aptitude as well as proficiency.

adept at doing long division

skilled stresses mastery of technique.

a skilled surgeon

skillful implies individual dexterity in execution or performance.

skillful drivers

expert implies extraordinary proficiency and often connotes knowledge as well as technical skill.

expert in the evaluation of wines

Examples of skilled in a Sentence

a very skilled and talented writer He is skilled at cooking. Carpentry is a skilled trade.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Granted, this is a long and convoluted path to my main point: To deflect further assaults on democratic norms, Trump’s foes will need a skilled, focused and thoughtful leader. Steven Greenhut, Orange County Register, 15 Nov. 2024 Rebuilding Notre Dame required help from skilled craftsmen from around the globe and the use of tools — created on-site — that match those used by the original workers who built the cathedral centuries ago. Rebecca Cohen, NBC News, 8 Nov. 2024 Other skilled workers, such as yoga teachers, tai chi, and martial arts instructors, can also teach deep breathing techniques. Michael Menna, Verywell Health, 4 Nov. 2024 After their early morning fishing trips, the skilled fishermen bring their catch to the hotel’s doorstep. Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for skilled 

Word History

First Known Use

1552, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of skilled was in 1552

Dictionary Entries Near skilled

Cite this Entry

“Skilled.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/skilled. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

skilled

adjective
1
: having skill : expert
skilled workers
2
: requiring skill and training
a skilled trade

More from Merriam-Webster on skilled

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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