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
Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Nani was an exciting, skillful winger, and in the early part of his career in England, a one-time housemate of storied compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo.
—Patrick Snell, CNN Money, 13 Sep. 2025
The animation is flawless and the voice cast, including Dom DeLuise and Derek Jacobi, is note-perfect, but NIMH is most notable for its skillful blend of adventure yarn and emotional family drama, a combination rendered with expert care.
—Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 13 Sep. 2025
Just navigating the Bay State Conference will be tough enough as Needham, which defeated Newton North in its season opener, boasts an extremely skillful bunch led by Avery Brodsky, Matteo Neretti and Austin Williams.
—Greg Dudek, Boston Herald, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for skillful
Adjective
Setting boundaries requires a balance of self-awareness and skillful communication.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Nani was an exciting, skillful winger, and in the early part of his career in England, a one-time housemate of storied compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo.
—Patrick Snell, CNN Money, 13 Sep. 2025
The animation is flawless and the voice cast, including Dom DeLuise and Derek Jacobi, is note-perfect, but NIMH is most notable for its skillful blend of adventure yarn and emotional family drama, a combination rendered with expert care.
—Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 13 Sep. 2025
Just navigating the Bay State Conference will be tough enough as Needham, which defeated Newton North in its season opener, boasts an extremely skillful bunch led by Avery Brodsky, Matteo Neretti and Austin Williams.
—Greg Dudek, Boston Herald, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for skillful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skillful
Adjective
-
Kirk Baxter’s arrhythmic cutting is designed around quicksilver shifts that, along with Barry Ackroyd’s restlessly attentive, mostly handheld camerawork, allow Bigelow to redirect our attention with virtuoso command.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
After inadvertently amassing a network of specialized experts, the startup has pivoted to hiring highly skilled professionals to train AI models.—
Jaures Yip,
CNBC,
27 Oct. 2025
-
Greenlight Alberta, which its creators say is the first of its kind in Canada, will see local professionals trained in key production roles, as an answer to the growing demand for skilled crew across the country.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
27 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Coming into Week 8, Skattebo ranked inside the top five in football in rushing touchdowns with five on the season, the highest of any of the Giants skill position players.—
Reice Shipley,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Oct. 2025
-
The same is true of his offensive line, as well as the surrounding skill and coaching.—
Austin Meek,
New York Times,
26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Building off a masterful National League Championship Series performance, Yamamoto became the first pitcher to log consecutive postseason complete games since Arizona Diamondbacks ace Curt Schilling in 2001, and the first Dodger to do it since Orel Hershiser in 1988.—
Andy McCullough,
New York Times,
26 Oct. 2025
-
Still, Tagovailoa put on a masterful performance against the Falcons, completing 77% of his passes for 205 yards and four touchdowns.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Enemy fighters are surprisingly more adept than expected, especially at normal difficulty.—
Jason Fanelli,
Rolling Stone,
23 Oct. 2025
-
Ski and snowboard lessons are crucial to becoming adept and safe on the slopes.—
John Meyer,
Denver Post,
23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Plus, an expert PEOPLE editor answers the burning question of the week, and one of our favorite stars joins us for a sitdown.—
Staff Author Updated,
PEOPLE,
23 Oct. 2025
-
For full daily and monthly horoscopes as well as expert readings, see our full Horoscopes experience.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
To advocate for and support strategies, curriculums, and programs that ensure that our graduates are college and career ready and proficient in core subject areas.—
Pioneer Press elections team,
Twin Cities,
16 Oct. 2025
-
Conversely, the Chiefs defense was able to slow down the typically proficient Lions offense, holding them to just 98 yards on the ground and Detroit QB Jared Goff to 203 passing yards.—
Ben Morse,
CNN Money,
13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Since their inception, the Wood Brothers have created a unique artistic world that combines Oliver’s deep love of rock, blues, and folk with Chris’ passion for jazz, classical, and improvisation, all aligning with the steadfast anchor of Rix’s percussive talents and sonic curiosity.—
Garret K. Woodward,
Rolling Stone,
26 Oct. 2025
-
The beginning of a distinctly eastern artistic tradition The importance of Tunnug 1 extends beyond the extraordinary collection of artifacts.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
26 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Skillful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skillful. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share