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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 This hints that, yes, skillful storytellers may actually live longer. Ron Shachar, Scientific American, 7 Mar. 2025 Anderson makes that suspension of disbelief easy enough, however, through skillful orchestration of atmospheric and action-ful eye candy. Dennis Harvey, Variety, 6 Mar. 2025 Actors as skillful as Ruffalo and Toni Collette, the craven leader Marshall’s imperious wife, come off pretty pushy here. Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 6 Mar. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for skillful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skillful
Adjective
  • However, even the most skilled clinicians can struggle if the technology is difficult to use.
    Jiang Li, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Taking the next step TCU reached the Elite Eight thanks to a highly skilled offense led by Van Lith, Conner and Prince.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The song is punctuated with a dizzying guitar solo, a reflection of the album’s masterful instrumentation that feels connected to the sprawling guitar work of Mk.gee, another shadowy pop force.
    Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Ron Howard, a legendary filmmaker, delivers a masterful vision at the peak of his craft.
    Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Moscow is particularly adept at what is known as hybrid warfare, a raft of tactics that can include targeting vital cables snaking along the seabed.
    John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Currently, there is no formal training program to ensure that a doctor is adept at robotic surgery.
    Uma Raja, Sun Sentinel, 7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Image Image Image Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation.
    Todd Anderson, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Led by expert marine aquarists, participants have the chance to get up close and personal with tropical fish, sting rays, and colorful reefs, all while learning more about life underwater.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Waukegan Community Unit School District 60 Superintendent Theresa Plascencia is paid $345,000 a year, presiding over schools where just 16% of students are proficient in reading.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Only around one-third of students are proficient in these foundational skills needed to succeed in today's economy.
    Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 24 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, Belinda is set to be honored with the Evolution Award, a special honor that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional growth, transformation, and innovation throughout their artistic journey, and an enduring impact and commitment to evolving their vision and voice.
    Griselda Flores, Billboard, 8 Apr. 2025
  • As the location of the graves of Edgar Degas, Pierre Cardin, Emile Zola, and Jeanne Moreau, among many other luminaries, this institution has a unique place in France’s artistic heritage.
    Annabelle Dufraigne, Architectural Digest, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This is a huge help to novice and experienced riders who wish to ease up on the highways and trails.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Back then, there were more established and experienced people by his side.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The graceful curvature of the leather seatbacks and straps encasing the sofas were a marvel, somehow both sturdy and delicate.
    Liam Hess, Vogue, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Loose clusters of delicate, sweetly-scented flowers appear in April and May.
    Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Skillful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skillful. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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