skill

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun skill contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of skill are artifice, art, craft, and cunning. While all these words mean "the faculty of executing well what one has devised," skill stresses technical knowledge and proficiency.

the skill of a glassblower

When could art be used to replace skill?

While in some cases nearly identical to skill, art implies a personal, unanalyzable creative power.

the art of choosing the right word

In what contexts can artifice take the place of skill?

While the synonyms artifice and skill are close in meaning, artifice suggests technical skill especially in imitating things in nature.

believed realism in film could be achieved only by artifice

When might craft be a better fit than skill?

The words craft and skill can be used in similar contexts, but craft may imply expertness in workmanship.

the craft of a master goldsmith

When is cunning a more appropriate choice than skill?

The synonyms cunning and skill are sometimes interchangeable, but cunning suggests ingenuity and subtlety in devising, inventing, or executing.

a mystery plotted with great cunning

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 skill As time went on, she was praised for her ability to help others find sparks with their soulmates — a skill put to use for the 2013 NBC show, Ready for Love, alongside hosts Giuliana and Bill Rancic. Angel Saunders, People.com, 26 Apr. 2025 Williams also had a standout skill last season, leading the NCAA with seven interceptions. Jesse Newell, Kansas City Star, 26 Apr. 2025 Liberal arts majors also tend to earn less than graduates in technical fields like engineering or math, largely because there’s less demand for their skills in higher-paying industries like technology and finance. Mike Winters, CNBC, 26 Apr. 2025 Inherent in this argument is that the responsible use of AI is reflected in the skill of the user. ArsTechnica, 25 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for skill
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skill
Noun
  • Before the big day, come equipped with must-know moving expertise from real estate pros.
    Caitlin Sole, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 May 2025
  • Give your audience a reason to feel connected to you beyond your professional expertise.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • Despite being outnumbered 50-to-1 by the Five Families of the Italian mafia, the Westies’ legendary brutality and cunning have given them the leverage necessary to share the spoils through a fragile détente.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Noted for his tenacity and cunning, Khamenei is also a man of conviction, and his hatred for the United States is deeply felt.
    Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Panthers add two offensive weapons with return experience.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Keep your Hall of Fame career in a strange city and give me the Crawford experience, please.
    Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Follow Shopify’s lead in including AI proficiency in feedback loops — whether through peer reviews, OKRs or team dashboards.
    Douglas B. Laney, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Additionally, applicants must now pass a language proficiency test and attend an in-person interview.
    Katie Nadworny, Travel + Leisure, 4 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The Fyre site formerly promoted a music, arts and culture festival, Fyre Festival 2, to occur May 30 through June 2 in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
  • The explosion of Generative AI onto the scene has had a dramatic impact on art and design.
    Ron Schmelzer, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The collection features a range of fabric panels, a fusible stabilizer and instructional materials designed to inspire creativity and preserve the artistry of handcrafted textiles.
    Courtney Lane, Kansas City Star, 20 Apr. 2025
  • The vampires only added to the mystery [and] the artistry of the message.
    Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Listen to this article 2 min Kate Middleton demonstrated a hidden talent while on a royal trip to Scotland with her husband, Prince William.
    Elizabeth Stanton, FOXNews.com, 30 Apr. 2025
  • The New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, Baltimore Orioles, and Boston Red Sox are all loaded with talent and have the potential to contend this season.
    Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Skill.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skill. Accessed 4 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on skill

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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