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

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 Each is written by a different author, but both are brought to life through the skillful brush of P. J. Lynch. —

Sarah Schutte, National Review, 15 Dec. 2024 Hussain’s skillful filmmaking avoids making obvious points, instead deepening the narrative as a singular character study with sci-fi elements. —

Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 6 Dec. 2024 In conversation, Raphael quickly highlights how the harmonica, which requires multiple senses for skillful mastery as a tool of self-expression, is personally relatable to anyone. —

Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 4 Dec. 2024 In addition, since headhunters now have a huge variety of profiles raining in for their open spots, each position can be filled with the most experienced and skillful person available. —

Adriana Gattermayr, Forbes, 25 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for skillful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for skillful

Adjective

This could exacerbate inequalities in the job market by increasing demand for highly skilled workers while marginalizing others.

— Adrian Stelmach, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
Trump has already shown a willingness to break with his grassroots supporters and side with Musk and tech companies over visas for skilled workers.

— Jessica Guynn, USA TODAY, 9 Jan. 2025