skillful

adjective

skill·​ful ˈskil-fəl 

1

: possessed of or displaying skill : expert

a skillful chef

2

: accomplished with skill

a skillful treatment

skillfully

ˈskil-fə-lē 

adverb

skillfulness noun

Synonyms

• adroit
• artful
• bravura
• deft
• delicate
• dexterous
• dextrous
• expert
• masterful
• masterly
• practiced
• practised
• virtuoso
• workmanlike

Choose the Right Synonym for skillful

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 skillful in a Sentence

He is skillful at diplomacy.

an artist skillful in the use of color

the skillful manner in which the doctor and nurses treated the patient

These issues require skillful handling.

Recent Examples on the Web

Both versions delivered a skillful cocktail of laughs and scares without true paranormal activity. —Anupama Chopra, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Nov. 2024

Also, Cignetti’s skillful use of NIL resources to help build a talented roster has been remarkable. —Mark Lasota, Ph.d., Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024

The Olympic gymnast and Chicago Bears safety enjoyed a night out with a game of darts that included a skillful shot to the bullseye and a celebration routine. —Marina Watts, People.com, 20 Oct. 2024

Just one year before the devastating October 7 terror attack, Israel and Lebanon reached a historic maritime border deal with the help of skillful U.S. diplomacy and the promise of real benefits for both parties. —Mona Yacoubian, Foreign Affairs, 3 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

skillful

adjective

skill·​ful ˈskil-fəl 

1

: having or showing skill

2

: accomplished with skill

a skillful defense

skillfully

-fə-lē 

adverb

skillfulness noun