1
as in virtuoso
accomplished with trained ability
the ice skater performed a skillful and graceful series of jumps
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in skilled
having or showing exceptional knowledge, experience, or skill in a field of endeavor
performance testing of automobiles that should be done only by skillful drivers on a closed course
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of skillful
She is remembered as a gifted painter and skillful in pastels, in addition to being an avid supporter of philanthropic causes and frequent golfer, finding both love and frustration in the sport, her family says.
—
Alysa Guffey, IndyStar, 4 Feb. 2026
There are plenty of anthropological accounts of skillful people earning social status and bullies being quickly cut down.
—Thomas Morgan, The Conversation, 3 Feb. 2026
Rosenberg is careful to note that this doesn’t require abandoning values or discernment, but recognizing that beneath every expression — skillful, clumsy, or even hurtful — is an unmet need.
—Jasna Hodžić, Big Think, 29 Jan. 2026
The music’s dizzying rhythmic variation is skillful and studied enough that its humor can’t be mistaken for gimmicky internet caricature.
—Rae-Aila Crumble, Pitchfork, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for skillful
Alysa Guffey, IndyStar, 4 Feb. 2026
There are plenty of anthropological accounts of skillful people earning social status and bullies being quickly cut down.
—Thomas Morgan, The Conversation, 3 Feb. 2026
Rosenberg is careful to note that this doesn’t require abandoning values or discernment, but recognizing that beneath every expression — skillful, clumsy, or even hurtful — is an unmet need.
—Jasna Hodžić, Big Think, 29 Jan. 2026
The music’s dizzying rhythmic variation is skillful and studied enough that its humor can’t be mistaken for gimmicky internet caricature.
—Rae-Aila Crumble, Pitchfork, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for skillful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skillful
Adjective
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Slafkovský had two goals and an assist in a virtuoso performance, and Iowa Wild goaltender Samuel Hlavaj was sensational, stopping 39 of 40 shots, including an 18-save first period that gave his team belief that the improbable was possible.—
Mark Lazerus,
New York Times,
11 Feb. 2026
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McIntosh, a brilliant composer who has a sideline as a virtuoso early-music violinist, revelled in the microtonal shadings that Feldman built into his notation.—
Alex Ross,
New Yorker,
26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Bryant, on the other hand, represents a highly skilled Hollywood craft that is more than a century old and only recently getting its due.—
Rebecca Keegan,
NBC news,
27 Feb. 2026
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DeBattiste said the Summit Rescue Group receives applications from skilled and experienced hikers, skiers, and climbers, but there’s one thing that matters more.—
Jayme Moye,
Outside,
27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Unsettlingly revealing and with masterful aesthetics, Yulia Lokshina’s brilliant documentary stays etched in memory long after the end credits.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
25 Feb. 2026
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Each of them is more like functional art, as much to be admired as played, the time and effort required to produce such masterful designs self-evident.—
Mark Ellwood,
Robb Report,
24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The country has become more adept at skirting these restrictions, sending about 90% of its exports to China.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
28 Feb. 2026
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Southerners are so adept at whipping up this recipe, that they've been known to add in some extra flavor boosters like chocolate or bourbon to kick things up a notch.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
28 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The former tennis pro, who has emerged as a fan favorite for expert analysis and natural charisma, will join the network as an on-air commentator and host.—
Chris Gardner,
HollywoodReporter,
24 Feb. 2026
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Subscribe to the Life Kit newsletter for expert advice on love, money, relationships and more.—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
23 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Nationally, the percentage of fourth graders considered proficient in reading sits just above 30%, according to the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress, known as the nation's report card.—
MAKIYA SEMINERA THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
Arkansas Online,
1 Mar. 2026
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Hayleigh Colombo Indiana lawmakers appear poised to approve legislation that would require commercial truck drivers to be English proficient and allow the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles to crack down on drivers that lose legal status.—
Kaitlin Lange,
IndyStar,
27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Jean-Claude Jitrois, who founded the brand in 1980 and remains as artistic director, announced the appointments on February 25.—
Laure Guilbault,
Vogue,
2 Mar. 2026
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In her new job, Vij will develop exhibitions, serve as artistic liaison for festivals and fairs, support residency and artist subsidy initiatives, and help to expand educational programming.—
News Desk,
Artforum,
2 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Similarly, facility expenses at Amana Academy North Fulton strain the school’s overall budget and impede its ability to recruit and retain experienced teachers because when operating dollars are allocated to buildings, fewer resources are available to support competitive salaries.—
Bonnie Holliday,
AJC.com,
25 Feb. 2026
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Constant adaptation is a challenge in the optimization sector, addressed by integrating new models and maintaining an intuitive platform for both new and experienced users as the world shifts from AI curiosity to AI dependency in workflows.—
Gretchen Wittenmyer-Stone,
Miami Herald,
25 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Skillful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skillful. Accessed 3 Mar. 2026.
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