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Synonym Chooser

How is the word skillful distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of skillful are adept, expert, proficient, and skilled. While all these words mean "having great knowledge and experience in a trade or profession," skillful implies individual dexterity in execution or performance.

skillful drivers

In what contexts can adept take the place of skillful?

While in some cases nearly identical to skillful, adept implies special aptitude as well as proficiency.

adept at doing long division

When is it sensible to use expert instead of skillful?

Although the words expert and skillful have much in common, expert implies extraordinary proficiency and often connotes knowledge as well as technical skill.

expert in the evaluation of wines

When would proficient be a good substitute for skillful?

The synonyms proficient and skillful are sometimes interchangeable, but proficient implies a thorough competence derived from training and practice.

proficient in translating foreign languages

When might skilled be a better fit than skillful?

While the synonyms skilled and skillful are close in meaning, skilled stresses mastery of technique.

a skilled surgeon

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 skillful His non-fiction book The Onion Field, published in 1973, would stand as, arguably, his literary masterpiece, a skillful telling of the true tale of a 1963 kidnapping of two LAPD officers and the brutal murder of one of them. Greg Evans, Deadline, 28 Feb. 2025 Hackman tamped down all of his gritty charm to embody a squirrely surveillance expert, again showcasing a skillful adaptability early in his career. David Sims, The Atlantic, 27 Feb. 2025 The French superstar was in devastating form, converting a delicate lob, a skillful individual run and a thumping left-foot drive to decisively prove that his slow start in Madrid has well and truly come to an end. Jamie Barton, CNN, 20 Feb. 2025 My partner’s organization, energy, confidence, focus, and skillful ability to take charge? Emma Specter, Vogue, 13 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for skillful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skillful
Adjective
  • The loss of this skilled support would place a greater burden on active-duty soldiers, who are not trained for many of these back-end roles.
    Solange Charas, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Hurley said postgame that Florida’s roster construction — especially the Gators’ skilled two-way bigs and glut of perimeter threats — reminded him of his own rosters, at least for most of the past three seasons.
    Brendan Marks, The Athletic, 22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • That said, a deck of cards in the hands of a masterful street magician is still really awesome, too.
    Tony Bradley, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
  • That battle, readers of Othello might remember, plays a significant role in the play’s unfolding tragedy and Iago's masterful plan.
    Dave Quinn, People.com, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The mixture is often constructed around Vessel’s burly croon, which is frequently presented at the front of the mix, but is adept at harvesting accessible hooks out of a crashing breakdown when needed.
    Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 26 Mar. 2025
  • Quick-footed Trevor Story was adept at vacuuming up the baseball and making a spinning throw to first.
    Patrick Saunders, The Denver Post, 23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Several legendary fictional detectives have been expert game players and puzzle solvers.
    Sarah Larson, The New Yorker, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Today, an internet connection opens up a world of free and affordable learning—from YouTube channels dedicated to sharing expert knowledge to podcasts and digital libraries packed with nonfiction titles ready to download to a Kindle or other e-reader.
    David Nikel, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Six in 10 fourth graders aren't proficient in math, and seven in 10 can't read at the 4th grade level.
    Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 6 Mar. 2025
  • According to Illinois State Board of Education 2024 data, 37% of District 205 students are proficient in English/language arts and 38% are proficient in math.
    Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Bernstein, an outspoken American Jewish conductor renowned for iconic compositions like West Side Story and Candide, was widely admired for his artistic genius and fervent political activism, including marching with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr during the 1960s.
    Court Stroud, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025
  • But the types of artistic mediums that the series uses to portray Lumon varies and evolves, as the company itself finds new opportunities to convey its message to employees.
    Abigail Lee, Variety, 15 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The leaders who are most trusted aren’t necessarily the most charismatic or the most experienced.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Winston becomes the most experienced quarterback on the Giants' roster, joining former undrafted free agent Tommy DeVito, the only other quarterback on the team.
    Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Produced by the China Academy of Art, School of Animation and Games, the film explores the delicate balance between personal desires and societal expectations.
    Jamie Lang, Variety, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Reviewers rave about this set’s soft feel and delicate appearance.
    Genevieve Cepeda, Travel + Leisure, 17 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Skillful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skillful. Accessed 29 Mar. 2025.

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