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 In its lawsuit, Ryan LLC argued that the noncompete ban would inflict irreparable harm by enabling its employees to leave for the competition, potentially taking with them valuable skills and information gained on the job. Andrea Hsu, NPR, 5 Sep. 2025 Learn from three expert instructors how to showcase your skills, build a stellar reputation, and create a digital presence that AI can’t replicate. Ashton Jackson lauren Shamo, CNBC, 5 Sep. 2025 The president told The Scott Jennings Radio Show that the concession resulted from his hard-nosed negotiating skills. Jamie McIntyre, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025 In this photo provided by Ukraine's 65th Mechanized Brigade press service, recruits practice military skills on a training ground on a sunflower field in the Zaporizhzhia region in Ukraine on August 11, 2025. Ellie Cook — Reporting From Prague, Czech Republic, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for skill
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skill
Noun
  • Portfolio companies benefit from the Blackstone connection, too, with BXSL providing expertise and operational support.
    Brett Owens, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
  • The multifamily office model lets these investment arms of wealthy families pool resources, share expertise and unlock bigger deals.
    Diana Olick, CNBC, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Luke Shaw’s technique and cunning at centre-back deserved to be better rewarded.
    Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2025
  • Others praised the pup's cunning.
    Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • In this blog, Everest Group’s Peter Bendor-Samuel and Richard Sear bring together their perspectives from years of experience advising global enterprises and shaping advanced science and technology strategy.
    Peter Bendor-Samuel, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Army soldiers, even those in non-combat jobs or those who lack previous firearms experience, must pass a rifle marksmanship test that includes targets as far as 325 yards away after mere days of training.
    Will Carless, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Juan Zheng, Assistant Professor in Lehigh’s Teaching, Learning, and Technology program, argues that proficiency with chatbots isn’t enough.
    Samantha Walravens, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Wanda Woods enrolled because her father advised that typing proficiency would lead to jobs.
    Paul Spann, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Visual editing and art direction by Shoshana Gordon of ProPublica.
    ProPublica, ProPublica, 13 Sep. 2025
  • The borderline and downright beautiful stop-motion animation in this brand new 2D adventure is immediately striking, as is the sketch-like art direction.
    Mitch Wallace, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • That level of artistry, creativity and focus on color sums up Hung Vanngo Beauty perfectly.
    Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The VMAs have long recognized the work of standout talent whose artistry has made an influential cultural impact over the past year, shifting the global cultural narrative while shaping the landscape of the music industry.
    Lynnette Nicholas, Essence, 6 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The festival also features art vendors, local talent, food trucks and, for kids, face painting, bubbles and bouncy houses.
    Eric E. Harrison, Arkansas Online, 11 Sep. 2025
  • However, specifically in Denver during his lone season there, the Broncos had notable talent in front of the young players in his stable.
    Mike Kaye September 10, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Skill.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skill. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

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