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expert

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adjective

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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
Gas price experts suggest $3 per gallon as a price point to reflect the state of affordability of national gas prices in recent years. Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 31 Oct. 2025 Legal experts note that even if the judge issues the recommendation, federal authorities are unlikely to honor it. Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
The new structure gives Microsoft rights to OpenAI’s IP for its models and products through 2032 and will extend Microsoft’s rights to OpenAI’s research methods through 2030 or until an independent expert panel verifies claims of AGI, if that happens sooner. Jared Perlo, NBC news, 29 Oct. 2025 Handpicked by the expert Vogue team, the collection will satisfy even the most discerning of skincare savants, wellness warriors, makeup maestros, hair aficionados and jewelry junkies. Ellie Davis, Vogue, 28 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for expert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expert
Noun
  • He was enrolled in a master’s program in biblical studies, but currently does not have lawful status in the country, officials said.
    Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 28 Oct. 2025
  • That’s cute, today’s masters of the universe will chuckle while patting your head.
    Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Kirk Baxter’s arrhythmic cutting is designed around quicksilver shifts that, along with Barry Ackroyd’s restlessly attentive, mostly handheld camerawork, allow Bigelow to redirect our attention with virtuoso command.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Snider navigates the complex intersections of addiction with class, sexuality, masculinity, and family bonds with skilled generosity in this powerful fourth collection.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 Nov. 2025
  • The older de Ridder, who turns 23 in January, is originally from Belgium and was one of the best young players in the tough Spanish ACB last season as a skilled four who can defend, move without the ball and knock down shots from the perimeter.
    Sam Vecenie, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Yann Gozlan’s psychological thriller Guru, which stars Pierre Niney as a charismatic and manipulative self-help guru, will close the festival this year.
    Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 28 Oct. 2025
  • But the actor turned wellness and lifestyle guru is bucking the norm—first, with that photo that shared skin texture and expression lines, and now by showing, not hiding, her grays.
    Veronica Cristino, Vogue, 28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The skillful craftsmanship of the artists is amazing, and the story is also great.
    Billboard Japan, Billboard, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Sarandos, who in shaping the era’s most successful Big Tech entrant to Hollywood has always been a skillful communicator, gave a telling answer.
    Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Radiolarians are adept at distilling silica, a form of quartz, from seawater, a process known as biomineralization.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025
  • That Hedda has forged such a life for herself is a testament to her wiles — no one is more adept at delivering acidic barbs cloaked by a friendly hand on the shoulder.
    Abby Monteil, Them., 28 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • But there are many other threats out there, like the evil wizard Vilgefortz (Mahesh Jadu) who attacks Yennefer’s forces in the climactic Battle of Montecalvo.
    Jordan Moreau, Variety, 31 Oct. 2025
  • As the unloved surviving son of a cruel father, he was approached by a wizard who offered him gold to secretly feed a mysterious hedgehog-faced monster in a cave.
    Scott Meslow, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Setbacks could also present artistic possibilities.
    Amy Weiss-Meyer, The Atlantic, 31 Oct. 2025
  • With the symptoms of climate crisis increasingly felt by people and businesses, including those within the art world, the Fondation Beyeler is making a statement by putting ecological stewardship on par with artistic curation.
    Fiona Sinclair Scott, CNN Money, 31 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Expert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expert. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.

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