skilled

adjective

ˈskild 

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

Synonyms

• accomplished
• ace
• adept
• compleat
• complete
• consummate
• crack
• crackerjack
• educated
• experienced
• expert
• good
• great
• master
• masterful
• masterly
• practiced
• practised
• professed
• proficient
• skillful
• versed
• veteran
• virtuoso

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

The roster features skilled players who have to be ambitious enough to recognize the awareness of always being secondary in the show. —Jason Jones, The Athletic, 15 Feb. 2025

The skilled stars perfectly strike the blend of comedic relief and moving moments of wisdom. —Raven Brunner, People.com, 14 Feb. 2025

Scientists say these findings likely help explain why sea turtles are such skilled navigators. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Feb. 2025

Sweden has its own high level of automation and technical manufacturing which, according to several brands like TMF, keeps production costs low and comparable with countries like Poland, which boasts skilled manufacturing and more workers. —Anders Modig Davin, WWD, 13 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1552, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

skilled

adjective

ˈskild 

1

: having skill : expert

skilled workers

2

: requiring skill and training

a skilled trade