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Synonym Chooser

How is the word skillful distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of skillful are adept, expert, proficient, and skilled. While all these words mean "having great knowledge and experience in a trade or profession," skillful implies individual dexterity in execution or performance.

skillful drivers

In what contexts can adept take the place of skillful?

While in some cases nearly identical to skillful, adept implies special aptitude as well as proficiency.

adept at doing long division

When is it sensible to use expert instead of skillful?

Although the words expert and skillful have much in common, expert implies extraordinary proficiency and often connotes knowledge as well as technical skill.

expert in the evaluation of wines

When would proficient be a good substitute for skillful?

The synonyms proficient and skillful are sometimes interchangeable, but proficient implies a thorough competence derived from training and practice.

proficient in translating foreign languages

When might skilled be a better fit than skillful?

While the synonyms skilled and skillful are close in meaning, skilled stresses mastery of technique.

a skilled surgeon

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 skillful This skillful painting by Sophie Zhou, a junior at The Kincaid School, was sold for a record $276,000 at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's school art competition auction. Shafaq Patel, Axios, 19 Mar. 2025 This hints that, yes, skillful storytellers may actually live longer. Ron Shachar, Scientific American, 7 Mar. 2025 Anderson makes that suspension of disbelief easy enough, however, through skillful orchestration of atmospheric and action-ful eye candy. Dennis Harvey, Variety, 6 Mar. 2025 Actors as skillful as Ruffalo and Toni Collette, the craven leader Marshall’s imperious wife, come off pretty pushy here. Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 6 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for skillful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skillful
Adjective
  • However skilled labor shortages are a drawback for those setting up business.
    Paul Williams, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Guests can savor artisanal cocktails crafted by skilled mixologists while enjoying live entertainment on select evenings, creating an unforgettable dining experience under the stars.
    Michaela Trimble, Vogue, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Thanks for all the laughs, the Kiki, the listening hear, shoulder the cry, the reading for filth, the masterful shade and endless love.
    Marc Berman, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Tony Gilroy’s masterful series is so good that the sci-fi Star Wars of it all sometimes seems irrelevant compared to the nuanced takes on resistance and fascism.
    James Grebey, Vulture, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This new species, found near the summit, is adept at moving through trees and has bright blue skin visible only when inflated.
    Stories by Real-Time news team, with AI summarization, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Over the years, he’s become incredibly adept at controlling and manipulating those suction sounds.
    Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This begins with behavior change and includes lifestyle interventions and skill-building programs along with expert support for long-term success.
    Scott Paddock, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • 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.
    Toh Gouttenoire, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • That score means those students haven’t mastered even the basic skills needed to become proficient readers.
    Silas Allen, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Apr. 2025
  • What’s Included in Your Climb A proficient climb leader will be with you the entire way, from start to finish.
    Wendy Altschuler, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This simple, yet challenging, theme breaks from traditional norms in order to build a strong and resonant artistic brand.
    Matt Emma, USA Today, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Loloi rug collections is named for a street in the West Village, the historically artistic neighborhood where Brent launched his career and currently lives with his family.
    Morgan Goldberg, Architectural Digest, 20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Todd Stoll is an experienced performer, Duke Ellington expert, author, and educator.
    Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025
  • But the spokesperson did not say when the program's work would fully resume or how the work would continue without any of the experienced employees who have been laid off.
    Dr. Mark Abdelmalek, ABC News, 29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Hoffman recalls of including the delicate destination nods.
    David Foxley, Architectural Digest, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Soft and delicate fragrances of spring flowers and mandarins.
    Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Skillful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skillful. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

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