1
: having acquired mastery of or skill in something (such as a technique or a trade)
skilled in the art of negotiation
2
: of, relating to, or requiring workers or labor with skill and training in a particular occupation, craft, or trade
Choose the Right Synonym for skilled

proficient, adept, skilled, skillful, expert mean having great knowledge and experience in a trade or profession.

proficient implies a thorough competence derived from training and practice.

proficient in translating foreign languages

adept implies special aptitude as well as proficiency.

adept at doing long division

skilled stresses mastery of technique.

a skilled surgeon

skillful implies individual dexterity in execution or performance.

skillful drivers

expert implies extraordinary proficiency and often connotes knowledge as well as technical skill.

expert in the evaluation of wines

Examples of skilled in a Sentence

a very skilled and talented writer He is skilled at cooking. Carpentry is a skilled trade.
Recent Examples on the Web Smith's father Mike told TMZ — which was first to report the news — that his daughter was a skilled rider and speculated that a deer was the cause of the sudden swerve. Alexandra Schonfeld, Peoplemag, 19 Apr. 2024 Brunch is served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, offering bottomless mimosas when ordered with entrees like skilled cornbread Benedict or chicken & waffle. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for skilled 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'skilled.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1552, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of skilled was in 1552

Dictionary Entries Near skilled

Cite this Entry

“Skilled.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/skilled. Accessed 4 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

skilled

adjective
1
: having skill : expert
skilled workers
2
: requiring skill and training
a skilled trade

More from Merriam-Webster on skilled

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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