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proficient

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word proficient distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of proficient are adept, expert, skilled, and skillful. While all these words mean "having great knowledge and experience in a trade or profession," proficient implies a thorough competence derived from training and practice.

proficient in translating foreign languages

When might adept be a better fit than proficient?

In some situations, the words adept and proficient are roughly equivalent. However, adept implies special aptitude as well as proficiency.

adept at doing long division

When could expert be used to replace proficient?

The words expert and proficient can be used in similar contexts, but expert implies extraordinary proficiency and often connotes knowledge as well as technical skill.

expert in the evaluation of wines

In what contexts can skilled take the place of proficient?

The synonyms skilled and proficient are sometimes interchangeable, but skilled stresses mastery of technique.

a skilled surgeon

When is it sensible to use skillful instead of proficient?

While the synonyms skillful and proficient are close in meaning, 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 proficient
Adjective
According to the latest data, only 53% of the city’s public school students were proficient in math on state exams. Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 5 Feb. 2025 By the numbers: In 2024, 26% of fourth graders and 25% of 8th graders in Arizona were proficient in reading. Jeremy Duda, Axios, 30 Jan. 2025 About 41% of test takers were proficient in math, as compared to 36% in 2022, the last time the test was administered. Carly Flandro, Idaho Statesman, 30 Jan. 2025 A little more than a third of the district's students can read at grade level, while less than a quarter are proficient in math, according to data. Landon Mion, Fox News, 29 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for proficient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proficient
Adjective
  • For highly skilled job seekers, the choice is obvious.
    Sarah Elk, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Truly skilled, effective coaches don’t need to call their players names and berate them for messing up and know that doing so makes players afraid to take risks and be creative, critical parts of being a great soccer player.
    Jeff Rueter, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Around him, dense as a swarm of tiny insects, float tiny images of fellow adepts engaged in all manner of outré shenanigans.
    Holland Cotter, New York Times, 26 Dec. 2024
  • Naomi Goggin Switch to island time—and expect transportation snafus Even with two planners, and a bride adept at project management, there was one logistical hurdle that was tough to cross: local transportation.
    Kaitlin Menza, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • My partner’s organization, energy, confidence, focus, and skillful ability to take charge?
    Emma Specter, Vogue, 13 Feb. 2025
  • Saros With Returnal, developer Housemarque made the skillful transition from shmup to third-person shooter.
    Jordan Minor, PCMAG, 13 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Travelers beware: From vacation scams to insurance to personal safety, a few key considerations can make or break a big trip, according to industry experts.
    Gretchen Eichenberg, Fox News, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Every article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of small business products.
    Jasmin Suknanan, CNBC, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Wednesday's report also said Iran has not reconsidered its September 2023 decision to ban some of the agency's most experienced inspectors from monitoring its nuclear program.
    STEPHANIE LIECHTENSTEIN THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, arkansasonline.com, 27 Feb. 2025
  • The good news is that three experienced options are battling for two spots, plus a few young players to be excited about.
    Kennington Smith III, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Many scientists have a master’s degree in geography or a related field. 8.
    Julia Korn, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025
  • Born in New York City, Bongino has a master’s degree in Psychology from Queens College and a master’s in Business Administration from Pennsylvania State University.
    Julia Gomez, USA TODAY, 24 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Collaborators on the project include scholars Saidiya Hartman and Christina Sharpe, who are credited on the screenplay.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 20 Feb. 2025
  • The cartoonists Joe Sacco and Chris Ware pop up, as do the comics scholar Hillary Chute and J. Hoberman, who’s a longtime friend and a Times contributor.
    Manohla Dargis, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Artist’s Muse and Sonic Healer: Alice Coltrane, a jazz virtuoso who devoted much of her life to a spiritual journey, is a beacon for today’s artists.
    Sarah Maslin Nir, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2025
  • Conducted by Ruth Reinhardt, the work featured saxophone virtuoso Steven Banks in his Minnesota Orchestra debut.
    Ross Raihala, Twin Cities, 29 Jan. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Proficient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proficient. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

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