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 of skilled

• proficient
• adept
• experienced
• expert
• talented
• skillful

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

That’s not to discount Lexi Hull or Sophie Cunningham, both very skilled role players for the team. —David Troy, FOXNews.com, 9 May 2026

Skoric is a skilled 6-9 forward who can shoot the 3 and attack the rim from the perimeter. —Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2026

For anything beyond a quick fix, working with a skilled pro can help ensure the job is done right—saving you time, stress and often money in the long run. —Angie Hicks, Boston Herald, 8 May 2026

More than 1,000 skilled tradespeople building two new rail tracks under the Hudson River closed up shop and went home, wondering if they would ever be recalled. —Tom Wright, New York Daily News, 8 May 2026

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