adept 1 of 2

Definition of adeptnext

adept

2 of 2

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
D’Souza, in the signature quarter-zip of the startup tribesmen, exuded the confidence and finesse of someone long adept at raising money. Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 12 June 2026 The one percent of star artists aren’t immune from these challenges, though some are more adept at navigating them. Shirley Halperin, Rolling Stone, 12 June 2026
Noun
But if the destination is appealing and the driver adept, the journey is bound to be worth taking. Judy Berman, Time, 27 Oct. 2025 He was investigated by the SS on the orders of Heinrich Himmler but convinced his investigators, all adepts of Deutsche Physik, that he was engaged in worthwhile teaching and research. Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for adept
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adept
Adjective
  • Blending ego and empathy, Chung delivered a skilled performance that may well win over Emmy voters in the supporting actor (drama) category this cycle.
    K.J. Yossman, Variety, 19 June 2026
  • In addition to being a great student, Maddie is a skilled softball player, which her mom Jamie Lynn bragged about in May 2022.
    Sydni Ellis, PEOPLE, 18 June 2026
Noun
  • Big Think+ classes feature world-class experts teaching the topics that matter most, from leadership and innovation to personal growth and health and wellness.
    Big Think, Big Think, 18 June 2026
  • Nonetheless, Ossoff will have to appeal to independents, who will decide the outcome, according to Charles Bullock, a University of Georgia political science professor and expert on Southern politics.
    Jay Stahl, USA Today, 18 June 2026
Adjective
  • What followed in the 20th minute, though, is the kind of end-to-end attack that is the hallmark of the American game, with a skillful finish that is decidedly uncommon from a USA star.
    Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 31 May 2026
  • The remarks not only referred to the aesthetics of the game – tedious matches devoid of skillful merit that were unpleasing to watch.
    Cesar R. Torres, The Conversation, 26 May 2026
Noun
  • As Photay, Shornstein—a master synthesist and producer—flits between atmospheric house, dubby breakbeat workouts, and chirping electro funk, building his songs’ arrangements into strange, angular shapes.
    Dash Lewis, Pitchfork, 16 June 2026
  • Your newest home automation systems will come equipped with sensors and jazzy master controls on an iPad.
    Jill Kargman, Architectural Digest, 16 June 2026
Adjective
  • The groups challenging the restriction said the state law prevents social service organizations from helping voters with disabilities or those who are not proficient in English, a conflict with the Voting Rights Act.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 21 June 2026
  • In relatively affluent Fairfield — predominantly white, with under one-fifth of students receiving free or reduced price meals — 74% of kindergarteners in the 2023-24 school year were already proficient in reading.
    Theo Peck-Suzuki, Hartford Courant, 21 June 2026
Noun
  • In his new book, Ethnic Studies at the Crossroads, Black studies scholar George Lipsitz contextualizes the state of ethnic studies as existing at a similar juncture of collision and divergence.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 June 2026
  • Ryan Bourne is an economics scholar at the Cato Institute.
    Ryan Bourne, Washington Post, 17 June 2026
Adjective
  • Ilunga was an experienced player who had won a number of domestic, continental and international titles, including the 1974 Africa Cup of Nations.
    Nick Miller, New York Times, 17 June 2026
  • In an exclusive interview with CBS, the attorneys alleged that the teen experienced complications related to anesthesia before having a rhinoplasty at Svelta Plastic Surgery.
    Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 17 June 2026
Noun
  • The German drum virtuoso wasn’t deeply familiar with the band’s repertoire when Lee and Lifeson first brought her to Toronto to jam.
    Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 14 June 2026
  • Laviolette, whose only full season outside the head coaching ranks in the past quarter-century came during Kopitar’s final campaign, lamented not being able to work with the two-way virtuoso.
    Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 11 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Adept.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adept. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.

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