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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
Over the years, he’s become incredibly adept at controlling and manipulating those suction sounds. Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 15 Apr. 2025 At the same time, Trump has shown himself to be adept at flinging around controversial ideas to dominate the news cycle but not following through. Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune, 11 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
  • Even if a patient doesn’t have the budget to meet their aesthetic treatment goals, an expert can at least guide them to best at-home skincare and practices.
    Dahvi Shira, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Becker, the prosecutor, told the jury they are expected to hear testimony from an expert from the Taser and body-camera maker Axon Enterprise during the trial.
    Deena Zaru, ABC News, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • That score means those students haven’t mastered even the basic skills needed to become proficient readers.
    Silas Allen, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Apr. 2025
  • What’s Included in Your Climb A proficient climb leader will be with you the entire way, from start to finish.
    Wendy Altschuler, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • Select one platform and master it rather than spreading yourself too thin.
    Vicky Owens, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Elegant materials, bespoke furnishings, skillful layering of textures, and eye-catching lighting are all hallmarks of Hogarty’s soulful spaces, and the firm seeks to create an emotional response with its polished yet comfortable aesthetic.
    Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Hiring managers must learn to distinguish between misuse and skillful application to capture a candidate’s ability to tackle real-world challenges.
    Bing Yu Yap, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Møller had an initial career as a literary scholar, then spent many years as a politician, and is now back to writing.
    Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Wine scholars among us will recognize this as a mix of red and white grapes, with white allowed only in very small amounts.
    Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • An estimated 14% of those who took the highest dose experienced vomiting, while 16% and 26% had nausea and diarrhea, respectively.
    Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Be open and willing to start conversations with more experienced employees.
    Julia Sullivan, USA Today, 17 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 1 May. 2025.

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