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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

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 expert
Noun
This amount is comparable to tax software providers like TurboTax, which advertises costs at over $100 to help taxpayers do their taxes themselves or over $200 for filing taxes with the assistance of an expert. Nathan Goldman, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025 The digital record ensures that the shipwreck will keep yielding information long after the physical remains have disintegrated, experts said. Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
Crafted by a team of expert perfumers, the fragrance was shaped by global trends and shifting consumer moods, like the growing desire for self-indulgence and self-control. Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2025 Image Image Image Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Todd Anderson, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for expert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expert
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
  • On Via Montenapoleone, the store’s façade features arched windows crafted by skilled Murano glassmaker Venini.
    Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Wiggins, a skilled scorer, doesn’t fit what the Heat ideally needs: someone who can finish at the basket, draw fouls, get Miami into offense and take over games late.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The team from Bar Mood in Taipei is taking the lead on nonalcoholic and low-ABV drinks, and master sommelier Kyungmoon Kim has put together a list of wines and sools to accompany the menu.
    Kate Kassin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The images feature the brand’s ready-to-wear, custom and bespoke suits, the latter of which are available by appointment with the company’s master tailor.
    Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Elegant materials, bespoke furnishings, skillful layering of textures, and eye-catching lighting are all hallmarks of Hogarty’s soulful spaces, and the firm seeks to create an emotional response with its polished yet comfortable aesthetic.
    Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 15 Apr. 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • Currently, there is no formal training program to ensure that a doctor is adept at robotic surgery.
    Uma Raja, Sun Sentinel, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Moscow is particularly adept at what is known as hybrid warfare, a raft of tactics that can include targeting vital cables snaking along the seabed.
    John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • As management guru Peter Drucker is often credited as saying, culture eats strategy for breakfast.
    Ryan Wong, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Being mentored by Carr and having an offensive guru in Kellen Moore as a head coach could help elevate Sanders' game.
    David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • As the location of the graves of Edgar Degas, Pierre Cardin, Emile Zola, and Jeanne Moreau, among many other luminaries, this institution has a unique place in France’s artistic heritage.
    Annabelle Dufraigne, Architectural Digest, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Matthieu Blazy, who officially started work April 1 as Chanel’s new artistic director of fashion activities, is quietly assembling his team, WWD has learned.
    Miles Socha, Footwear News, 8 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

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Cite this Entry

“Expert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expert. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

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