adept 1 of 2

adept

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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
But with players like Donaldson, Goldin and others who seem adept at meeting the moment, being on the brink is apparently right where Michigan likes it. Sam Blum, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025 Considering how many feel the show speaks to the rise in fascism currently taking place throughout the world, many believe the show has become adept at channeling real-world conflicts into a sci-fi allegory, but Gilroy doesn’t view his work as capturing the moment. Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 16 Mar. 2025
Noun
The libero is usually a defensive specialist adept at passing. Greg Rosenstein, NBC News, 30 July 2024 Still though, the dietary differences alone aren’t sufficient to explain what makes snakes so evolutionary adept. Popular Science, 22 Feb. 2024 See All Example Sentences for adept
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adept
Adjective
  • However, even the most skilled clinicians can struggle if the technology is difficult to use.
    Jiang Li, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Taking the next step TCU reached the Elite Eight thanks to a highly skilled offense led by Van Lith, Conner and Prince.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Self-love and relationship expert Iryna Wood is redefining romance with an innovative mobile app that puts emotional awareness at the forefront.
    Emma Kershaw, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Nemesis is the story of two men on either side of the law, the tale of what happens when an unstoppable force (an expert criminal), Coltrane Wilder (Noel), meets an immovable object (a brilliant police detective), Isaiah Stiles (Law).
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Waukegan Community Unit School District 60 Superintendent Theresa Plascencia is paid $345,000 a year, presiding over schools where just 16% of students are proficient in reading.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Only around one-third of students are proficient in these foundational skills needed to succeed in today's economy.
    Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 24 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • What makes a painting by a master so much better than a really good fake?
    The Editors of ARTnews, ARTnews.com, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Degree requirement: bachelor’s degree in information technology, engineering, computer science or business management; preference for MBA or a master’s degree in technology management.
    Terina Allen, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Hiring managers must learn to distinguish between misuse and skillful application to capture a candidate’s ability to tackle real-world challenges.
    Bing Yu Yap, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • He is known for his skillful wedge game and a booming drive, but at Memorial Park, his whole game coalesced perfectly.
    Ben Morse, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Legal scholars have said there is little legal precedent for Trump's war on Big Law, which has created a chilling effect across the legal community, and most will certainly have a chilling effect on his opponents who will need legal representation against him.
    Alexander Mallin, ABC News, 29 Mar. 2025
  • On top of that, the Trump administration has detained some international scholars who have expressed support for Palestinian causes or criticized Israel over the war in Gaza.
    Tinbete Ermyas, NPR, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • This is a huge help to novice and experienced riders who wish to ease up on the highways and trails.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Back then, there were more established and experienced people by his side.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 4 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • On the way: indie-folk songwriter Lissie (Sunday, May 18), Philly rockers Low Cut Connie (Tuesday, Sep. 30), and art-rock virtuoso Destroyer (Sunday, Oct. 19).
    David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 7 Mar. 2025
  • The virtuoso made his solo stage debut at Lollapalooza Hobipalooza on July 31, 2022 an hour-long showcase of his skills as a seasoned entertainer, performing tracks from Jack in the Box, his mixtape Hope World, and various BTS albums.
    Zoe Guy, Vulture, 1 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Adept.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adept. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.

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