Synonyms of expert

expert 1 of 2

noun

ˈek-ˌspərt 

as in scholar

a person with a high level of knowledge or skill in a field

experts at the crime lab were able to tell the sex, race, and approximate age of the murderer

Synonyms & Similar Words

• scholar
• master
• adept
• guru
• virtuoso
• wizard
• specialist
• artist
• authority
• consultant
• proficient
• maestro
• professional
• ace
• connoisseur
• geek
• enthusiast
• whiz
• hotshot
• fiend
• maven
• hand
• past master
• crackerjack
• shark
• meister
• sharp
• craftsman
• mavin
• dab hand
• pro
• fan
• cognoscente
• dab
• crackajack
• addict
• aficionado
• devotee
• buff
• hired gun
• journeyman
• afficionado
• mistress
• Renaissance man
• jack-of-all-trades
• all-rounder

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• amateur
• novice
• beginner
• apprentice
• nonexpert
• neophyte
• inexpert
• layman
• dilettante
• dabbler
• nonprofessional

expert

2 of 2

adjective

ˈek-ˌspərt 

1

as in virtuoso

accomplished with trained ability

to a serious collector, the expert carving on the duck decoy justifies its high price

Synonyms & Similar Words

• virtuoso
• skillful
• artistic
• masterful
• delicate
• smooth
• masterly
• practised
• adroit
• deft
• artful
• dexterous
• practiced
• workmanlike
• dextrous
• adept
• bravura
• creative
• competent
• adequate
• capable
• facile
• ingenious
• fancy
• able
• clever
• cunning
• neat

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• amateur
• unprofessional
• rude
• amateurish
• crude
• artless
• ineffective
• awkward
• clumsy
• incompetent
• unskillful
• ineffectual
• inept
• klutzy

2

as in skilled

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

people interested in laser eye surgery are advised to seek out an expert practitioner

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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For

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an expert fisherman

an experienced fisherman

a pro fisherman

an excellent fisherman

an accomplished fisherman

a skilled fisherman

an expert doctor

an exceptional doctor

a knowledgeable doctor

a smart doctor

a specialized doctor

a superb doctor

an expert author

a professional author

an advanced author

a premier author

an esteemed author

a proficient author

an expert individual

an elite individual

an exceptional individual

an exemplary individual

an extraordinary individual

a special individual

an expert critic

a qualified critic

a superior critic

an elite critic

a senior critic

an official critic

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

Recent Examples of expert

Noun

Some experts point out that Judge Breyer’s order is limited only to California, which means that until it’s fully litigated — a process that can drag on for weeks or months — the president may attempt similar moves elsewhere. —Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2025

As an example, this leads to a greater understanding of signals and the integration of the communications expert into decision-making. —Bill Edwards, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025

Adjective

Made by the expert hands of Italian craftsmen — guardians of centuries-old jewelry traditions — these treasures emerge as miniature masterpieces, imbued with an unmistakable allure. —Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 23 May 2025

Image Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. —Janie Osborne, New York Times, 22 May 2025