adept 1 of 2

Definition of adeptnext

adept

2 of 2

noun

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
There were many capable mouths to feed and no one in the heart of the rotation who was adept at operating a spoon. Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 18 May 2026 Ménochet is a scary wonder as Marc, a great bear of a man who is chillingly adept at hiding his rage and possessiveness under the guise of a gentle, enlightened ascetic. Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 15 May 2026
Noun
But if the destination is appealing and the driver adept, the journey is bound to be worth taking. Judy Berman, Time, 27 Oct. 2025 He was investigated by the SS on the orders of Heinrich Himmler but convinced his investigators, all adepts of Deutsche Physik, that he was engaged in worthwhile teaching and research. Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for adept
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adept
Adjective
  • Workshop bookings from tourists are helping skilled craftspeople stay in business — and keeping the techniques themselves from disappearing.
    Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 29 May 2026
  • Evergreen Valley College sits right in the heart of East San José and produces talented, skilled graduates who are ready to work.
    Mercury News Editorial Board, Mercury News, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • Alessandro Bastoni has had a 2026 to forget — but our experts still think the Inter man is worth top dollar.
    Phil Hay, New York Times, 28 May 2026
  • But experts for years have said companies have not learned from past mistakes.
    Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2026
Adjective
  • This country has produced leaders who understood that the office was never about them, that service means something, and that the people watching from home deserve better than a system that rewards the skillful exit over the honest reckoning.
    Nick Weston, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 May 2026
  • Miami coach Mario Cristobal is known for his skillful recruiting of top prospects.
    Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • She later was awarded a master’s in public administration from Cal State San Bernardino.
    Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 May 2026
  • Their masters stood nearby, traders in thick mantle coats with handkerchiefs wrapped round their heads, smoking and chatting in French.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 May 2026
Adjective
  • The sophomore midfielder can pass and score with either foot and is equally proficient at playing offense or defense.
    Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2026
  • Lacking any sort of thematic heft to make the proceedings truly spooky, proficient helmer Ovredal mainly relies on a series of jump scares, complete with sudden loud noises, to keep us on edge.
    Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 2026
Noun
  • Named after the renowned African American artist and scholar, the Driskell Prize honors outstanding contributions to the field of African American art and has been presented by the museum annually since 2005.
    News Desk, Artforum, 27 May 2026
  • To some scholars of Christianity, such framing undermines some of Jesus' core ethical teachings.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 27 May 2026
Adjective
  • But the players, led by the most experienced in their number, took it upon themselves to regroup.
    Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 28 May 2026
  • Community members also raised concerns about the sheltering of those displaced, said communication was confusing and people didn’t know what to plan for, and that some experienced price gouging.
    Victoria Le, Oc Register, 27 May 2026
Noun
  • Already millions of school-age kids take in-person piano lessons, not to become the next Carnegie Hall virtuoso but for the lifelong benefits of playing music, from boosting creativity to soothing anxiety and depression.
    Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 24 May 2026
  • This is also Zvyagintsev’s first adaptation of pre-existing material, but the reworking feels more like a jazz virtuoso covering another artist’s tune, tweaking the rhythm, changing the key, and finding in the melody a whole new set of feelings.
    Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 19 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Adept.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adept. Accessed 30 May. 2026.

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