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
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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of skillful
Nate Jones, Vulture, 5 Dec. 2025
Kayla Poirier didn’t get the glory that comes associated with scoring a goal, but without a couple skillful touches by the senior, Mahtomedi would no longer have a chance to repeat as state champions.
—Mike Cook, Twin Cities, 29 Oct. 2025
The skillful craftsmanship of the artists is amazing, and the story is also great.
—Billboard Japan, Billboard, 28 Oct. 2025
Sarandos, who in shaping the era’s most successful Big Tech entrant to Hollywood has always been a skillful communicator, gave a telling answer.
—Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for skillful
Adjective
So, too, from Neon’s skillful juggling of its handful of international entries.
—Nate Jones, Vulture, 5 Dec. 2025
Kayla Poirier didn’t get the glory that comes associated with scoring a goal, but without a couple skillful touches by the senior, Mahtomedi would no longer have a chance to repeat as state champions.
—Mike Cook, Twin Cities, 29 Oct. 2025
The skillful craftsmanship of the artists is amazing, and the story is also great.
—Billboard Japan, Billboard, 28 Oct. 2025
Sarandos, who in shaping the era’s most successful Big Tech entrant to Hollywood has always been a skillful communicator, gave a telling answer.
—Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for skillful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skillful
Adjective
-
Six points clear of Manchester City and Villa, Arsenal can boast form and — for the first time in a while — fitness, with Declan Rice marking his return to the lineup with a virtuoso two-goal display against Bournemouth.—
Jack Bantock,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
-
That was a virtuoso performance.—
Gary Bedore,
Kansas City Star,
1 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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Collaborating with industry leaders, academic institutions and others to ensure Iowa develops a skilled workforce for the growing nuclear energy sector.—
Marissa Payne,
Des Moines Register,
6 Jan. 2026
-
The only problem is that Mason Graham, Carson Schwesinger, Quinshon Judkins and Harold Fannin aren’t skilled at throwing passes or blocking defensive linemen.—
Jason Lloyd,
New York Times,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Investopedia defines it as a job done outside the office, typically requiring manual labor or skills in a particular trade.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
9 Nov. 2025
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Fisher-Price 4-in-1 Activity Table Foster your little one’s motor skills with this activity table that allows babies ages 6 months and up to flip, slide, roll, spin, and press the buttons, wheels, and lights.—
Mia Huelsbeck,
PEOPLE,
8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Offensive line coach Jordan Shoemaker did a masterful job replacing the offseason departures up front.—
Caleb Yum,
Austin American Statesman,
6 Jan. 2026
-
Witch Hat was delayed by a year to allow its production team at Bug Films to work extra hard on polishing the animation, and its music was composed by Yuka Kitamura, known for her masterful scores on FromSoftware games like Elden Ring, Dark Souls, and Bloodborne.—
Eric Vilas-Boas,
Vulture,
1 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Beath attempted to get the adept electrician to comment on the crash.—
Mark Gray,
PEOPLE,
8 Nov. 2025
-
This year, job advertisements have been soaring for a new specialist software developer who can write code, but also is adept at talking to customers.—
John Kell,
Fortune,
5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Ahead, discover the best beanies for women, chosen as a fashion writer of over 10 years, along with expert advice on caring for and styling your new topper.—
Alison Syrett Cleary,
InStyle,
9 Jan. 2026
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De Laurentiis took all the chaos in stride and was the expert judge for the cooking portion of the outrageous lineup of competitions.—
Moná Thomas,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Kelly was already a proficient fundraiser.—
Chris Brennan,
USA Today,
8 Jan. 2026
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The Villa manager saw a proficient ball carrier who was multi-functional — other coaches retain the view that Rogers can play anywhere from central midfield to up front, provided he is put in positions which harness his best attributes.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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White gave props to some other iconic duos — representing non-musical disciplines — that preceded the White Stripes onto the national artistic stage.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
9 Nov. 2025
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Beginning in 2004, the zAmya Theater Project connects communities throughout the Twin Cities to theater and artistic expression, centering on social justice, advocacy and collaboration, according to its website.—
Sophia Arndt,
Twin Cities,
8 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Skillful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skillful. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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