skilled

adjective

ˈskild 

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

Synonyms

• accomplished
• ace
• adept
• compleat
• complete
• consummate
• crack
• crackerjack
• educated
• experienced
• expert
• good
• great
• master
• masterful
• masterly
• practiced
• practised
• professed
• proficient
• skillful
• versed
• veteran
• virtuoso

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

As usual, Ellie attempts to mask her feelings with sarcasm, but this doesn’t really work with Gail (who’s skilled at doing the same). —Keith Phipps, Vulture, 28 Apr. 2025

However skilled labor shortages are a drawback for those setting up business. —Paul Williams, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025

Guests can savor artisanal cocktails crafted by skilled mixologists while enjoying live entertainment on select evenings, creating an unforgettable dining experience under the stars. —Michaela Trimble, Vogue, 28 Apr. 2025

He has been credited as a skilled recruiter and defensive coordinator who contributed to the school reaching the NCAA Tournament in each of those seasons. —Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 28 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1552, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for skilled

• backfilled
• distilled
• fulfilled
• infilled
• instilled
• rebuild
• refilled
• unfilled
• unskilled
• untilled
• billed
• build

Kids Definition

skilled

adjective

ˈskild 

1

: having skill : expert

skilled workers

2

: requiring skill and training

a skilled trade