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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 The show’s real draw is its cast, which expands to include Matthew Rhys as a troubled detective, and a skillful adaptation that highlights the glossiest, cleverest elements of classic Christie—and adds a pinch of eros. Judy Berman, Time, 30 Apr. 2025 Then the animators could take over and finish the rest with their skillful photorealism. Bill Desowitz, IndieWire, 18 Apr. 2025 Elegant materials, bespoke furnishings, skillful layering of textures, and eye-catching lighting are all hallmarks of Hogarty’s soulful spaces, and the firm seeks to create an emotional response with its polished yet comfortable aesthetic. Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 15 Apr. 2025 Hiring managers must learn to distinguish between misuse and skillful application to capture a candidate’s ability to tackle real-world challenges. Bing Yu Yap, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for skillful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skillful
Adjective
  • Deploying this type of technology at scale could not only help identify at-risk patients for proactive monitoring but also address the global need for medical professionals, with the U.S. alone requiring 122,000 skilled physicians by 2032.
    Max Votek, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
  • The presence of someone skilled, experienced and committed to public service could strengthen the agency, at a time when the federal work force faces unprecedented strain.
    Kwame Anthony Appiah, New York Times, 21 May 2025
Adjective
  • Elie’s masterful survey is a group portrait of artists and their fellow travelers who participated during a bloody crossroads in American life, when Ronald Reagan’s ascension to the White House in 1980 collapsed the walls between church and state, sparking a counterrevolution across the arts.
    Marc Weingarten, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2025
  • The series is being produced by Science Saru, which previously worked on anime series like Devilman Crybaby, Star Wars Visions, and Scott Pilgrim Takes Off, and it's been praised by fans and critics alike for its stunning production values, touching storytelling, and masterful animation.
    Oliver Brandt, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • In addition to her prowess at finding the net in soccer, Nelson is adept at hitting balls over the net as a tennis player.
    Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025
  • Adebayo, who is adept at switching onto smalls, had been a second- or first-team All-Defensive selection for five consecutive seasons — until this season.
    Josh Robbins, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • Subscribe to the Life Kit newsletter for expert advice on love, money, relationships and more.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 21 May 2025
  • There won’t be a tipping point, because the other side is too expert at lying.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 18 May 2025
Adjective
  • Preparatory Academy, an alternative high school in the Bronx for young adults who have lived in the United States for less than one year and are not yet proficient in English.
    Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 27 May 2025
  • Note that even the most proficient human interviewer (perhaps a very experienced clinical psychologists with decades of training and experience) will have off days, feel up or down because of personal events, and be affected by conscious and unconscious biases.
    Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
Adjective
  • Hobbies, sports and artistic expression are also quite in favor for you now, so do whatever possible to live in the moment and embrace your inner child.
    Kyle Thomas, People.com, 25 May 2025
  • This extraordinary relief depicts the king and several Assyrian deities, providing a glimpse into the religious and artistic culture of the Assyrian Empire.
    Real-Time news team, Miami Herald, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • Again, this isn't a conventional model rocket so experienced rocketeers might scoff at it.
    Ian Stokes, Space.com, 23 May 2025
  • Funds like the iShares Global Clean Energy ETF attracted massive inflows, yet many investors who entered late experienced disappointing returns once valuations normalized.
    Gianluca Sidoti, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • The floral motifs created a garden of light against the shimmering teal backdrop for a dramatic, yet delicate look.
    Pooja Shah, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • Lorenza Rosé, $23 Year after year, the Lorenza team produces a rosé that's both light and delicate while still being chock-full of flavor and personality.
    Seth Eli Barlow, Arkansas Online, 27 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Skillful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skillful. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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