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adept

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word adept distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of adept are expert, proficient, skilled, and skillful. While all these words mean "having great knowledge and experience in a trade or profession," adept implies special aptitude as well as proficiency.

adept at doing long division

When is it sensible to use expert instead of adept?

While in some cases nearly identical to adept, expert implies extraordinary proficiency and often connotes knowledge as well as technical skill.

expert in the evaluation of wines

When is proficient a more appropriate choice than adept?

In some situations, the words proficient and adept are roughly equivalent. However, proficient implies a thorough competence derived from training and practice.

proficient in translating foreign languages

In what contexts can skilled take the place of adept?

The words skilled and adept can be used in similar contexts, but skilled stresses mastery of technique.

a skilled surgeon

When might skillful be a better fit than adept?

The meanings of skillful and adept largely overlap; however, skillful implies individual dexterity in execution or performance.

skillful drivers

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 adept
Adjective
Monetary easing by central banks can mitigate the damage, and businesses are adept at restructuring supply chains to pass on costs. Robert Ginsburg, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025 Gadsden was adept at making contested catches and receptions downfield. Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 15 Apr. 2025
Noun
Around him, dense as a swarm of tiny insects, float tiny images of fellow adepts engaged in all manner of outré shenanigans. Holland Cotter, New York Times, 26 Dec. 2024 Naomi Goggin Switch to island time—and expect transportation snafus Even with two planners, and a bride adept at project management, there was one logistical hurdle that was tough to cross: local transportation. Kaitlin Menza, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for adept
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adept
Adjective
  • 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
Noun
  • Many lawmakers and industry experts around the country have also deemed EV mandates unworkable due to insufficient charging infrastructure.
    Albert R. Wynn, Baltimore Sun, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Various studies from researchers around the world, including experts at the University of Arizona and Tulane University say drought, sea level rise, severe storms and dredging are partly to blame for the increase in frequency and swatch of saltwater intrusion.
    Kati Weis, CBS News, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Being a manager requires being proficient at many skills, and with this incident, Snitker failed at all of them.
    Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Étoile shows extensive dance sequences, requiring the actors to also be proficient dancers.
    Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Select one platform and master it rather than spreading yourself too thin.
    Vicky Owens, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Serendipitously, that car was owned by Disney master animator Ward Kimball, whom Gurr had met via a car enthusiast society, the Horseless Carriage Club.
    Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
Noun
  • Weiss said some scholars believe the prophecy was written in support of a cardinal who was campaigning to be the next pope.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 4 May 2025
  • Although the origins of the doctrine remain in some dispute, most scholars cite its first mention in ancient Roman law.
    Alexandra Klass, The Conversation, 2 May 2025
Adjective
  • But the spokesperson did not say when the program's work would fully resume or how the work would continue without any of the experienced employees who have been laid off.
    Dr. Mark Abdelmalek, ABC News, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Todd Stoll is an experienced performer, Duke Ellington expert, author, and educator.
    Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Also on the bill: R&B powerhouse Ledisi; actor and singer Leslie Odom Jr.; and guitar virtuoso Orianthi; as well as previously announced performer, composer and bandleader Jon Batiste.
    Paul Grein, Billboard, 23 Apr. 2025
  • He’s earned international esteem as a bandleader and collaborator with other singular artists like Afro-Swiss harmonica virtuoso Grégoire Maret, Japanese piano star Hiromi, and Cuban reed great Paquito D’Rivera.
    Andrew Gilbert, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Adept.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adept. Accessed 8 May. 2025.

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