1
as in virtuoso
accomplished with trained ability
the ice skater performed a skillful and graceful series of jumps
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in skill
subtle or imaginative ability in inventing, devising, or executing something
the skillfulness with which she handled that touchy situation is indeed admirable
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 June 2025
The only things required for it are basic civility, skillful problem-solving and responsible communication.
—Adrianna Rodriguez, USA Today, 18 June 2025
Finnegans Wake, in his skillful hands, is a tapestry of all the works Joyce ever wrote, the final and protracted project of a writer who could never stop thinking about Ireland.
—Eric Bulson, The Atlantic, 16 June 2025
Their smart, aggressive defense disorients even the smoothest spacing and the most skillful shooters.
—Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 18 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for skillful
Adjective
Meanwhile, 50 speakers fill the room with Attenborough’s skillful narration, sounds from the natural world and original music by the composer Nick Powell.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 June 2025
The only things required for it are basic civility, skillful problem-solving and responsible communication.
—Adrianna Rodriguez, USA Today, 18 June 2025
Finnegans Wake, in his skillful hands, is a tapestry of all the works Joyce ever wrote, the final and protracted project of a writer who could never stop thinking about Ireland.
—Eric Bulson, The Atlantic, 16 June 2025
Their smart, aggressive defense disorients even the smoothest spacing and the most skillful shooters.
—Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 18 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for skillful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skillful
Adjective
-
Many of these apprentices were not skilled tradesmen.—
Anna Kleiber,
jsonline.com,
22 July 2025
-
The same is true of pickleball, where a skilled player with the right paddle can cause problems for an opponent.—
Martin Cizmar,
Wired News,
20 July 2025
Noun
-
As this technology improves, the gap between human skill and robotic precision will continue to shrink.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
19 July 2025
-
Officials have also suggested that the Army veteran could have selected a spot in the wilderness to hide at using his outdoor skills obtained through mountain survival school.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
19 July 2025
Adjective
-
Beyond their records, Ali and Usyk share other similarities, such as brilliant footwork, masterful defense and an Einstein-level boxing IQ.—
Anthony Stitt,
Forbes.com,
21 July 2025
-
Known for his signature visual style and masterful tension-building in crime stories, Kim now turns his lens to the glamorous yet cutthroat world of K-Pop, exploring the fierce desires and ambitions that drive it.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
20 July 2025
Adjective
-
Sheeraz is also adept at timing; if his foe offers a slight opening, Sheeraz can exploit it and land a powerful strike.—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
-
Noni Madueke is adept at doing the same, arriving on the right wing (with Nkunku himself switching from right to left) before finishing the game on the left during his cameo — as shown below.—
Mark Carey,
New York Times,
11 July 2025
Adjective
-
The plaintiffs are also asking Battaglia to strike the testimony of the county’s expert six witnesses.—
Jeff McDonald,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
21 July 2025
-
Following the hollowing-out of the nation’s scientific infrastructure through deep funding cuts and the firing of federal scientists, the executive order is an attempt to rewrite the rules of how our expert bureaucracy operates.—
David Michaels,
The Atlantic,
20 July 2025
Adjective
-
Statewide, 28 schools got A grades despite at least half of their students not being proficient in language arts, while 56 schools got the top grade even though half or more of their students scored poorly in math.—
Steven Walker,
The Orlando Sentinel,
13 July 2025
-
Some analysts said a new category of jobs could require humans to evaluate the quality and authenticity of AI output, while others said AI may become proficient enough to negate many of those roles.—
Max Zahn,
ABC News,
12 July 2025
Adjective
-
With music as a core artistic focus, Volga hosts a calendar of live performances both on the rooftop and in its underground music room.—
Michaela Trimble,
Vogue,
13 July 2025
-
Jones previously held the position of men’s artistic director of Louis Vuitton, as well as Dior and Fendi.—
Rhonda Richford,
Footwear News,
13 July 2025
Adjective
-
The key has been the gradual introduction of a new generation around the experienced core to supplement their talents with pace and vivacity.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
22 July 2025
-
The Meaning For The Industry Phosphor Capital represents a meaningful evolution in venture capital: one where experienced founders are becoming specialized backers who understand the YC journey firsthand.—
Dasha Shunina,
Forbes.com,
22 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Skillful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skillful. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share