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

These eagles are skilled soarers, often riding thermal updrafts to reach extreme heights. —Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025

The skilled crafts that underpin entertainment are also at risk of being lost, says David Offenberg, an entertainment finance professor at Loyola Marymount University. —Ali Martin, Christian Science Monitor, 14 June 2025

The draw of small-scale independent ateliers is clear, as skilled watchmakers find more variation, instead of being relegated to more repetitive tasks. —Thor Svaboe, Robb Report, 13 June 2025

The event will feature more than 6,500 state champions from across the United States competing head-to-head in 114 skilled and leadership competitions, according to SkillsUSA.org. —Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 June 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