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expert

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adjective

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an expert fisherman
an experienced fisherman
a pro fisherman
an excellent fisherman
an accomplished fisherman
a skilled fisherman
an expert doctor
an exceptional doctor
a knowledgeable doctor
a smart doctor
a specialized doctor
a superb doctor
an expert author
a professional author
an advanced author
a premier author
an esteemed author
a proficient author
an expert individual
an elite individual
an exceptional individual
an exemplary individual
an extraordinary individual
a special individual
an expert critic
a qualified critic
a superior critic
an elite critic
a senior critic
an official critic

Synonym Chooser

How is the word expert distinct from other similar adjectives?

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

expert in the evaluation of wines

In what contexts can adept take the place of expert?

The words adept and expert are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, adept implies special aptitude as well as proficiency.

adept at doing long division

When is proficient a more appropriate choice than expert?

While the synonyms proficient and expert are close in meaning, proficient implies a thorough competence derived from training and practice.

proficient in translating foreign languages

When could skilled be used to replace expert?

Although the words skilled and expert have much in common, skilled stresses mastery of technique.

a skilled surgeon

When is it sensible to use skillful instead of expert?

In some situations, the words skillful and expert are roughly equivalent. However, skillful implies individual dexterity in execution or performance.

skillful drivers

Examples 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 expert
Noun
To monitor adult gnats and trap them, experts recommend putting up yellow sticky traps near plant leaves – these are relatively inexpensive and can easily be purchased online. Katie Liu, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2024 These mistakes were easy to spot, but experts worry that as models grow larger and answer more complex questions, their expertise will eventually surpass that of most human users. Stephen Ornes, Quanta Magazine, 8 Nov. 2024
Adjective
Our 24/7 virtual support system combines AI technology with expert clinical staff, guiding patients through recovery from surgery, managing chronic conditions, or transitioning from hospital care. Caroline Hodge, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2024 Get expert advice on downsizing, tiny house regulations, smart storage, and more. Kristine Gill, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for expert 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expert
Noun
  • Lawyers and scholars would pass judgment, and cross-partisan pro-democracy coalitions would need to emerge to support and legitimize the states’ contentious actions.
    Jenna Bednar, Foreign Affairs, 5 Nov. 2024
  • According to the scholar Maria Tatar, these were folktales shared among adults after hours, while the children were asleep.
    Jennifer Wilson, The New Yorker, 4 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Granted, this is a long and convoluted path to my main point: To deflect further assaults on democratic norms, Trump’s foes will need a skilled, focused and thoughtful leader.
    Steven Greenhut, Orange County Register, 15 Nov. 2024
  • Rebuilding Notre Dame required help from skilled craftsmen from around the globe and the use of tools — created on-site — that match those used by the original workers who built the cathedral centuries ago.
    Rebecca Cohen, NBC News, 8 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Allison went to college and eventually got her masters at the New School.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 10 Nov. 2024
  • Responding to a glossary of Christian European maternal iconography, Catlett replicated the Mother and Child archetype, initially premiered as a limestone carving for her master’s thesis in 1940, later as lithographs and sculptures in terra-cotta, wood, and black marble.
    Shameekia Shantel Johnson, ARTnews.com, 4 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • 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
Adjective
  • Methane is adept at absorbing red wavelengths in the visible spectrum and scattering blue light.
    Shi En Kim, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Nov. 2024
  • The idea is to target points props for high-usage point guards who are adept at running the pick-and-roll (PnR) and can pull up against the Celtics.
    Matt Modi, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Veteran New York Post columnist Andrea Peyser, who started at the tabloid in 1989, is once again going after lifestyle guru Martha Stewart following the release of the new Netflix documentary Martha.
    David Mack, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2024
  • Despite not being a great head coach, Philbin has remained an offensive guru.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Now, Moses’ artistic journey has led her to another means of expression — wallpaper.
    David Moin, WWD, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Beyond the complimentary daytime outdoor exhibition, visitors can go for ticketed experiences that offer deeper insights into Dale Chihuly's creative process and artistic vision.
    Sandra MacGregor, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The Bears have been really proficient with that package and Kramer on the field for goal line and short-yardage situations.
    Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2024
  • The studio musicians were highly proficient, and above all, Tatsuro’s arrangements were perfect.
    Billboard Japan, Billboard, 28 Oct. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near expert

Cite this Entry

“Expert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expert. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

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