1
as in virtuoso
accomplished with trained ability
the ice skater performed a skillful and graceful series of jumps
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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
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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of skillful
Justin Chang, New Yorker, 9 June 2025
Here, Nick Barnes and Finn Caldwell’s zoo menagerie is perhaps even more skillful from a design perspective.
—Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 5 June 2025
Several would require the skillful balancing of adverse political interests, including labor unions, real estate companies and pro-tenant groups.
—Mihir Zaveri, New York Times, 1 June 2025
In short, this is about being emotionally skillful and multifaceted.
—Ximena Araya-Fischel, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for skillful
Adjective
Love, the film suggests, has always been a strategic, material affair, a matter of skillful hunting and gathering.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 9 June 2025
Here, Nick Barnes and Finn Caldwell’s zoo menagerie is perhaps even more skillful from a design perspective.
—Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 5 June 2025
Several would require the skillful balancing of adverse political interests, including labor unions, real estate companies and pro-tenant groups.
—Mihir Zaveri, New York Times, 1 June 2025
In short, this is about being emotionally skillful and multifaceted.
—Ximena Araya-Fischel, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for skillful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skillful
Adjective
-
Before June 8, the skilled and respected ABC News television journalist Terry Moran was neither a household name nor political lightning rod.—
Steven Levy,
Wired News,
27 June 2025
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The necessary conditions are in place: computational power, broad access to distribution channels, a growing pool of skilled talent and rising global demand.—
Vlad Panin,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
Noun
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The local event is part of a yearly nationwide ham radio open house, during which more than 40,000 amateur radio clubs throughout North America set up temporary transmitting stations in public places to demonstrate its science, skill, and service to communities and the nation.—
Orlando Sentinel Staff,
The Orlando Sentinel,
26 June 2025
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After trying to win with the offensive skills of Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, the Suns are trying to change their identity.—
Sarah Jean Maher,
New York Times,
25 June 2025
Adjective
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The Belgian master of minimalism and wabi-sabi forever changed the design of sofas, and his way with rough-hewn wood furniture and beams, pale linen, an earthy palette, and a masterful blending of East and West and antique and contemporary are now canonized among professionals.—
Amy Astley,
Architectural Digest,
25 June 2025
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Gill goes on to justify this support with a masterful century in front of a sell-out crowd on day one.—
Richard Sutcliffe,
New York Times,
22 June 2025
Adjective
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China has also been adept at dominating supply chains from beginning to end.—
Caitlin Babcock,
Christian Science Monitor,
17 June 2025
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The sophisticated cybercriminals who design these counterfeit websites are also adept at manipulating the algorithms that determine a high position in a search engine search.—
Steve Weisman,
Forbes.com,
15 June 2025
Adjective
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Do the expert speakers have seats and water at their disposal? Are the speaking notes or teleprompters in place?—
Adrian Dearnell,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2025
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Wing will share practical tools and give expert insight on keeping families safe from online predators, cyber-bullying, digital threats and more.—
Orlando Sentinel Staff,
The Orlando Sentinel,
26 June 2025
Adjective
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Mice also are incredibly proficient at reproducing: Gestation takes just a few weeks, with six to 12 pups per litter and up to eight litters per year.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
19 June 2025
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Yet the most recent National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) reveals that 69% of eighth graders are not proficient in reading, and 73% are not proficient in math.—
Jeanne Allen,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2025
Adjective
-
Mueller serves as the artistic director of the Film Art Research Centre at Shanghai University.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
19 June 2025
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And of course, there’s plenty of room for artistic impression.—
Sean McIndoe,
New York Times,
19 June 2025
Adjective
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Today someone older or more experienced might have advice for you.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
27 June 2025
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The society says that experienced observers may see about one fireball bright enough to be spotted in the day for every 200 hours of meteor observing.—
James Powel,
USA Today,
27 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Skillful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skillful. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
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