Synonyms of skilled

skilled

adjective

ˈskild 

as in skillful

having or showing exceptional knowledge, experience, or skill in a field of endeavor

a delicate brain operation requiring the services of a highly skilled surgeon

Synonyms & Similar Words

• skillful
• adept
• proficient
• experienced
• expert
• talented
• practiced
• educated
• good
• accomplished
• gifted
• veteran
• great
• virtuoso
• masterful
• master
• practised
• versed
• capable
• professed
• consummate
• masterly
• complete
• ace
• trained
• competent
• employable
• crackerjack
• crack
• qualified
• efficient
• adroit
• effective
• dexterous
• dextrous
• clever
• compleat
• deft
• polished
• knowledgeable
• handy
• able
• old
• taught
• slick
• schooled
• workmanlike
• refined
• effectual
• fitted
• sure-handed
• multiskilled
• all-round
• well-rounded
• fit
• long-term
• multitalented
• all-around
• tutored
• habile

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unskilled
• inexperienced
• amateur
• incompetent
• incapable
• inexpert
• unable
• weak
• unqualified
• inept
• unprofessional
• amateurish
• unseasoned
• unskillful
• unfit
• crude
• unfitted
• inefficient
• ineffective
• artless
• rude
• would-be
• ineffectual
• untrained
• inexperienced
• ignorant
• jackleg
• untalented
• new
• beginning
• unschooled
• untutored
• untaught
• green
• raw
• primitive
• untested
• unseasoned
• untried
• ungifted
• talentless
• unpolished
• rough
• clumsy
• awkward
• heavy-handed
• ham-fisted
• ham-handed

Synonym Chooser

How is the word skilled distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of skilled are adept, expert, proficient, and skillful. While all these words mean "having great knowledge and experience in a trade or profession," skilled stresses mastery of technique.

a skilled surgeon

When might adept be a better fit than skilled?

The synonyms adept and skilled are sometimes interchangeable, but adept implies special aptitude as well as proficiency.

adept at doing long division

When can expert be used instead of skilled?

The meanings of expert and skilled largely overlap; however, expert implies extraordinary proficiency and often connotes knowledge as well as technical skill.

expert in the evaluation of wines

When is it sensible to use proficient instead of skilled?

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

proficient in translating foreign languages

When could skillful be used to replace skilled?

While in some cases nearly identical to skilled, skillful implies individual dexterity in execution or performance.

skillful drivers

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of skilled

Many probationary employees are highly skilled, were recruited for specific roles and have been vetted throughout the government’s hiring process. —Eileen Sullivan, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025

In short: These new tariffs will disproportionately impact our economy, an economy powered by high-growth firms and a highly skilled, high-wage workforce. —Kevin Carroll, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Apr. 2025

Medicare may cover short-term skilled services (like nursing or physical therapy) and hospice for late-stage dementia if ordered by a medical professional.27 Private health insurance usually doesn't cover custodial care. —Christopher Bergland, Verywell Health, 25 Apr. 2025

This three-hour experience is led by a skilled guide who will keep you safe, take photographs, and give you detailed information about the bridge and surrounding areas along the way. —Wendy Altschuler, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025