SKILLED Synonyms: 106 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'skilled' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of skilled are adept , expert , proficient , and skillful . While all these words mean "having great knowledge and experience in a trade or profession," skilled stresses mastery of technique. // a skilled surgeon

Q: When might 'adept' be a better fit than 'skilled'?

The synonyms adept and skilled are sometimes interchangeable, but adept implies special aptitude as well as proficiency. // adept at doing long division

Q: When can 'expert' be used instead of 'skilled'?

The meanings of expert and skilled largely overlap; however, expert implies extraordinary proficiency and often connotes knowledge as well as technical skill. // expert in the evaluation of wines

Q: When is it sensible to use 'proficient' instead of 'skilled'?

In some situations, the words proficient and skilled are roughly equivalent. However, proficient implies a thorough competence derived from training and practice. // proficient in translating foreign languages

Q: When could 'skillful' be used to replace 'skilled'?

While in some cases nearly identical to skilled , skillful implies individual dexterity in execution or performance. // skillful drivers

skilled

adjective

ˈskild

Definition of skilled next

as in skillful

having or showing exceptional knowledge, experience, or skill in a field of endeavor a delicate brain operation requiring the services of a highly skilled surgeon

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How is the word skilled distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of skilled are adept, expert, proficient, and skillful. While all these words mean "having great knowledge and experience in a trade or profession," skilled stresses mastery of technique.

a skilled surgeon

When might adept be a better fit than skilled?

The synonyms adept and skilled are sometimes interchangeable, but adept implies special aptitude as well as proficiency.

adept at doing long division

When can expert be used instead of skilled?

The meanings of expert and skilled largely overlap; however, expert implies extraordinary proficiency and often connotes knowledge as well as technical skill.

expert in the evaluation of wines

When is it sensible to use proficient instead of skilled?

In some situations, the words proficient and skilled are roughly equivalent. However, proficient implies a thorough competence derived from training and practice.

proficient in translating foreign languages

When could skillful be used to replace skilled?

While in some cases nearly identical to skilled, 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 skilled But DeMar DeRozan, a six-time NBA All-Star and author of Above The Noise: My Story of Chasing Calm, is proof that even the most skilled athletes can struggle with mental health. —

Rachel Murphy, Health, 8 Jan. 2025 Most Premier League clubs are looking to pack their midfield with skilled big men with the running power and physicality to cope with the myriad pressing schemes and transitional moments that have come to define matches. —

Carl Anka, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025 Connecticut’s debt-free community college program has significantly increased enrollment and provided skilled workers in critical trades. —

Derek Slap, Hartford Courant, 8 Jan. 2025 Managing Teams Through Worker Shortages The shortage of selectively skilled workers with limited experience challenges leaders to balance immediate needs with long-term growth. —

Expert Panel®, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for skilled

Recent Examples of Synonyms for skilled

Adjective

The future in question is a refreshing discography of musical projects strung together by his soulful croons, innovative production tenets, and skillful storytelling rivaled only by his catalog itself.

Kenneth J. Williams Jr., Forbes, 5 Jan. 2025
To be good at Below Deck is to be skillful at two jobs, both the one on the boat and the one as a practitioner of the reality-television arts and sciences.

Brian Moylan, Vulture, 31 Dec. 2024