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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
  • Møller had an initial career as a literary scholar, then spent many years as a politician, and is now back to writing.
    Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Wine scholars among us will recognize this as a mix of red and white grapes, with white allowed only in very small amounts.
    Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • This three-hour experience is led by a skilled guide who will keep you safe, take photographs, and give you detailed information about the bridge and surrounding areas along the way.
    Wendy Altschuler, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Serendipitously, that car was owned by Disney master animator Ward Kimball, whom Gurr had met via a car enthusiast society, the Horseless Carriage Club.
    Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2025
  • When the call came from the Office for the Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff, the master tailor and artist was surprised and emotional.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 25 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
  • This new species, found near the summit, is adept at moving through trees and has bright blue skin visible only when inflated.
    Stories by Real-Time news team, with AI summarization, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Over the years, he’s become incredibly adept at controlling and manipulating those suction sounds.
    Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 15 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
  • The alien ‘guru’ of Ashram Shambala A mechanical engineering graduate turned religious leader, Rudnev founded the Ashram Shambala religious group in 1989.
    Betiana Fernández Martino and Hira Humayan, CNN Money, 11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This simple, yet challenging, theme breaks from traditional norms in order to build a strong and resonant artistic brand.
    Matt Emma, USA Today, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Loloi rug collections is named for a street in the West Village, the historically artistic neighborhood where Brent launched his career and currently lives with his family.
    Morgan Goldberg, Architectural Digest, 20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • That score means those students haven’t mastered even the basic skills needed to become proficient readers.
    Silas Allen, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Apr. 2025
  • What’s Included in Your Climb A proficient climb leader will be with you the entire way, from start to finish.
    Wendy Altschuler, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Expert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expert. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

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