expert 1 of 2

expert

2 of 2

adjective

1
2

Try This Instead

For
Try This
an expert fisherman
an experienced fisherman
a pro fisherman
an excellent fisherman
an accomplished fisherman
a skilled fisherman
an expert doctor
an exceptional doctor
a knowledgeable doctor
a smart doctor
a specialized doctor
a superb doctor
an expert author
a professional author
an advanced author
a premier author
an esteemed author
a proficient author
an expert individual
an elite individual
an exceptional individual
an exemplary individual
an extraordinary individual
a special individual
an expert critic
a qualified critic
a superior critic
an elite critic
a senior critic
an official critic

Synonym Chooser

How is the word expert distinct from other similar adjectives?

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

expert in the evaluation of wines

In what contexts can adept take the place of expert?

The words adept and expert are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, adept implies special aptitude as well as proficiency.

adept at doing long division

When is proficient a more appropriate choice than expert?

While the synonyms proficient and expert are close in meaning, proficient implies a thorough competence derived from training and practice.

proficient in translating foreign languages

When could skilled be used to replace expert?

Although the words skilled and expert have much in common, skilled stresses mastery of technique.

a skilled surgeon

When is it sensible to use skillful instead of expert?

In some situations, the words skillful and expert are roughly equivalent. 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 expert
Noun
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 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
Adjective
In order to get more expert treatment villagers had to travel to the city. Maureen Murphy, Hartford Courant, 20 Apr. 2025 Additionally, nonprofits, my primary market, remained underserved in technology, ensuring a continuous need for expert guidance. Will Freeman, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for expert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expert
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
  • However skilled labor shortages are a drawback for those setting up business.
    Paul Williams, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
  • 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
Noun
  • Select one platform and master it rather than spreading yourself too thin.
    Vicky Owens, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Coogler attended the University of Southern California’s School of the Cinematic Arts, obtaining a master’s degree in fine arts in 2011.
    Ashton Jackson, CNBC, 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
Adjective
  • The earbuds are adept at reducing noise below about 100Hz, which is excellent for lower-frequency droning sounds.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Russia is very adept at what is known as hybrid warfare, a term that broadly refers to tactics designed to undermine or destabilize opponents, but falling short of open conflict.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The lifestyle guru served an infamous five-month sentence for lying to federal investigators about a stock sale.
    Jay Stahl, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
  • That started a conversation with our lead tech and projection guru, Chapin Cutler, [co-founder] of Boston Light & Sound.
    Bill Desowitz, IndieWire, 21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • And here’s the best part: long before label art became a thing, Gabriella Rallo—Donnafugata’s co-founder and matriarch—began pioneering Donnafugata’s now-iconic artistic labels in the 1980s.
    Lanee Lee, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
  • This is a fantastic time to pursue artistic projects, take off on a romantic getaway or simply embrace the fun and joy in life.
    Staff Author, People.com, 1 May 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Expert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expert. Accessed 6 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on expert

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!