ADEPT Synonyms: 155 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'adept' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of adept are expert , proficient , skilled , and skillful . While all these words mean "having great knowledge and experience in a trade or profession," adept implies special aptitude as well as proficiency. // adept at doing long division

Q: When is it sensible to use 'expert' instead of 'adept'?

While in some cases nearly identical to adept , expert implies extraordinary proficiency and often connotes knowledge as well as technical skill. // expert in the evaluation of wines

Q: When is 'proficient' a more appropriate choice than 'adept'?

In some situations, the words proficient and adept are roughly equivalent. However, proficient implies a thorough competence derived from training and practice. // proficient in translating foreign languages

Q: In what contexts can 'skilled' take the place of 'adept'?

The words skilled and adept can be used in similar contexts, but skilled stresses mastery of technique. // a skilled surgeon

Q: When might 'skillful' be a better fit than 'adept'?

The meanings of skillful and adept largely overlap; however, skillful implies individual dexterity in execution or performance. // skillful drivers

adept 1 of 2

adjective

ə-ˈdept

Definition of adept next

as in skilled

having or showing exceptional knowledge, experience, or skill in a field of endeavor he's an adept pitcher, and the team is lucky to have him

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

adept

2 of 2

noun

ˈa-ˌdept

as in expert

a person with a high level of knowledge or skill in a field even by the standards of Washington, he's an adept at political intrigue and power politics

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word adept distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of adept are expert, proficient, skilled, and skillful. While all these words mean "having great knowledge and experience in a trade or profession," adept implies special aptitude as well as proficiency.

adept at doing long division

When is it sensible to use expert instead of adept?

While in some cases nearly identical to adept, expert implies extraordinary proficiency and often connotes knowledge as well as technical skill.

expert in the evaluation of wines

When is proficient a more appropriate choice than adept?

In some situations, the words proficient and adept are roughly equivalent. However, proficient implies a thorough competence derived from training and practice.

proficient in translating foreign languages

In what contexts can skilled take the place of adept?

The words skilled and adept can be used in similar contexts, but skilled stresses mastery of technique.

a skilled surgeon

When might skillful be a better fit than adept?

The meanings of skillful and adept largely overlap; however, skillful implies individual dexterity in execution or performance.

skillful drivers

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of adept

Adjective

Elephants are highly intelligent animals adept at communication, using many different call types and gestures, signals, and postures to share knowledge and information. —

Tj Hutchinson, The Denver Post, 28 Jan. 2025 For most types of relatively low-tech consumer goods, Russian businesses have proved surprisingly adept at developing alternatives, rerouting their supply chains, and providing copycat products of similar quality, though often at higher prices. —

Fred Weir, The Christian Science Monitor, 28 Jan. 2025

Noun

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s mission changes from ending the future of humanity to ensuring its survival, from killing the mother to protecting the son from an assassin adept at quicksilver. —

Mike Barnes, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Dec. 2023 Due to its wing shape, Confuciusornis was likely a fast, yet rigid flyer and not a slow, agile one adept at maneuvering through the forest. —

Matt Hrodey, Discover Magazine, 28 Sep. 2023 See all Example Sentences for adept

Recent Examples of Synonyms for adept

Adjective

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