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 Field researchers thrive on a specific set of skills and attributes: resilience, self-reliance, creative problem-solving, and the ability to focus on the moment to decide what needs to be done. Sarah Boon june 25, Literary Hub, 25 June 2025 Not letting students take on that responsibility can ultimately undermine the development of essential executive functioning skills and independence. Theo Wolf, CNBC, 25 June 2025 Size with skill is back in fashion, and the 2025 NBA Draft may deliver its next great example. Sindiswa Mabunda, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025 For example, someone who’s the go-to person in navigating the team’s tools may want to improve their negotiation or decision-making skills. Sho Dewan, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for skill
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skill
Noun
  • Specialized expertise is essential in designing, procuring, deploying, operating and maintaining such systems.
    Steven Carlini, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • En route, Grace employs his scientific expertise and ingenious creativity while an uncanny friendship develops with an extraterrestrial being to aid his longshot plight.
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • The chief specimen here (played by MMA fighter Chi Lewis-Parry) is a massive beast whose brute strength is matched by his cunning.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 18 June 2025
  • On the other end of the spectrum was the more docile Kelly who often felt conflicted when her morals clashed with the cunning needed to succeed in the game.
    Nick Caruso, TVLine, 27 May 2025
Noun
  • According to two professional stylists with over a decade of experience, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but there are some key guidelines worth following.
    Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 26 June 2025
  • Shayla and 17 other BU women’s soccer players reported similar claims to BU’s Equal Opportunity Office the next day, per The Globe, noting that their teammate, who was allegedly targeted, also shared her experience with school officials.
    Skyler Caruso, People.com, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • Schools will be required to provide early intervention for K-8 students at-risk of not meeting grade level proficiency.
    Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2025
  • Maybe letting users make lists is less about an accrual of cultural proficiency and more about extending empathy to the poor celebs who put their own taste on the line.
    Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • From August 26-31, enjoy a trip to Venice inclusive of accommodations, festival screenings, lunch or dinner with a critic, and art/food experiences.
    Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 24 June 2025
  • But as colors entered Rohan’s world over time, something serendipitous happened in my art as well.
    Nishant Jain, The Dial, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • The unconventional positioning of the center stones also point to the artistry of Pomellato’s goldsmiths.
    Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 20 June 2025
  • Layered drug references are a key part of their artistry, often translated from those who get their insular references to the rest of the masses.
    Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 17 June 2025
Noun
  • End of the day, this is going to hurt our universities, chase away world- class talent.
    CBS News, CBS News, 29 June 2025
  • Perry values DeRozan’s talent and professionalism — not to mention roster depth — and DeRozan has a reasonable contract.
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 29 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on skill

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!