expert 1 of 2

Definition of expertnext

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
However, some experts question the validity of these testing measures. Barbie Cervoni, Verywell Health, 7 Nov. 2025 To prevent conditions such as osteoporosis, experts recommend prioritizing strength training, and weighted vests are a great way to do so. Jessie Quinn, Flow Space, 7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
For full daily and monthly horoscopes as well as expert readings, see our full Horoscopes experience. Usa Today, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026 Known as the North American birthplace of inbound extreme skiing and riding, Crested Butte boasts more than 560 acres of expert terrain. Jen Murphy, Outside, 7 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for expert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expert
Noun
  • Residents in a Stockton zip code have reported their mail is being stolen and worry someone may have access to the master postal key.
    Carmela Karcher, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
  • She was allowed to study there in her fifth year of college basketball because CU’s Boulder campus does not offer a master’s in criminal justice.
    Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Six points clear of Manchester City and Villa, Arsenal can boast form and — for the first time in a while — fitness, with Declan Rice marking his return to the lineup with a virtuoso two-goal display against Bournemouth.
    Jack Bantock, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
  • That was a virtuoso performance.
    Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 1 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • Collaborating with industry leaders, academic institutions and others to ensure Iowa develops a skilled workforce for the growing nuclear energy sector.
    Marissa Payne, Des Moines Register, 6 Jan. 2026
  • The only problem is that Mason Graham, Carson Schwesinger, Quinshon Judkins and Harold Fannin aren’t skilled at throwing passes or blocking defensive linemen.
    Jason Lloyd, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Additionally, the annual flurry of economic gurus’ 2026 forecasts offered little fuel for hope, compounding this sense of uncertainty.
    Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 8 Jan. 2026
  • The fashion guru typically rocks her tried-and-true ashy blonde, occasionally opting for highlights and/or lowlights.
    Tessa Petak, InStyle, 8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The 5-11, 187-pound receiver is skillful at running routes and can create separation with his quick feet.
    Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 2 Jan. 2026
  • Mackey does especially skillful work conveying the legibility of Ella’s personal anxiety and political passion.
    Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 10 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • Beath attempted to get the adept electrician to comment on the crash.
    Mark Gray, PEOPLE, 8 Nov. 2025
  • This year, job advertisements have been soaring for a new specialist software developer who can write code, but also is adept at talking to customers.
    John Kell, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Who were the ad wizards who came up with that one?
    Sean Gentille, New York Times, 3 Jan. 2026
  • This wizard doesn’t even use a curtain.
    Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 3 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Kelly was already a proficient fundraiser.
    Chris Brennan, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026
  • The Villa manager saw a proficient ball carrier who was multi-functional — other coaches retain the view that Rogers can play anywhere from central midfield to up front, provided he is put in positions which harness his best attributes.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Expert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expert. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.

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