SKILLFUL Synonyms: 119 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

skillful

adjective

ˈskil-fəl

Definition of skillful next

as in virtuoso

accomplished with trained ability the ice skater performed a skillful and graceful series of jumps

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in skilled

having or showing exceptional knowledge, experience, or skill in a field of endeavor performance testing of automobiles that should be done only by skillful drivers on a closed course

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of skillful Both versions delivered a skillful cocktail of laughs and scares without true paranormal activity. —

Anupama Chopra, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Nov. 2024 Also, Cignetti’s skillful use of NIL resources to help build a talented roster has been remarkable. —

Mark Lasota, Ph.d., Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024 The Olympic gymnast and Chicago Bears safety enjoyed a night out with a game of darts that included a skillful shot to the bullseye and a celebration routine. —

Marina Watts, People.com, 20 Oct. 2024 Just one year before the devastating October 7 terror attack, Israel and Lebanon reached a historic maritime border deal with the help of skillful U.S. diplomacy and the promise of real benefits for both parties. —

Mona Yacoubian, Foreign Affairs, 3 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for skillful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for skillful

Adjective

Mansouri added that Australia’s migration system emphasizes skilled migration and targets individuals with experience and qualifications in high-demand occupations.

Celia Fernandez, CNBC, 11 Dec. 2024
That’s possible because North America also has the world’s best higher education and skilled labor pool.

Chris Turlica, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024