1
as in virtuoso
accomplished with trained ability
the ice skater performed a skillful and graceful series of jumps
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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
Thomas Morgan, The Conversation, 3 Feb. 2026
Rosenberg is careful to note that this doesn’t require abandoning values or discernment, but recognizing that beneath every expression — skillful, clumsy, or even hurtful — is an unmet need.
—Jasna Hodžić, Big Think, 29 Jan. 2026
The music’s dizzying rhythmic variation is skillful and studied enough that its humor can’t be mistaken for gimmicky internet caricature.
—Rae-Aila Crumble, Pitchfork, 26 Jan. 2026
The Dynamics of Leadership and Followership The military rigorously develops individuals in both leading and supporting roles, not through blind obedience, but through skillful contribution.
—Heather V. MacArthur, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for skillful
Adjective
There are plenty of anthropological accounts of skillful people earning social status and bullies being quickly cut down.
—Thomas Morgan, The Conversation, 3 Feb. 2026
Rosenberg is careful to note that this doesn’t require abandoning values or discernment, but recognizing that beneath every expression — skillful, clumsy, or even hurtful — is an unmet need.
—Jasna Hodžić, Big Think, 29 Jan. 2026
The music’s dizzying rhythmic variation is skillful and studied enough that its humor can’t be mistaken for gimmicky internet caricature.
—Rae-Aila Crumble, Pitchfork, 26 Jan. 2026
The Dynamics of Leadership and Followership The military rigorously develops individuals in both leading and supporting roles, not through blind obedience, but through skillful contribution.
—Heather V. MacArthur, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for skillful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skillful
Adjective
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Slafkovský had two goals and an assist in a virtuoso performance, and Iowa Wild goaltender Samuel Hlavaj was sensational, stopping 39 of 40 shots, including an 18-save first period that gave his team belief that the improbable was possible.—
Mark Lazerus,
New York Times,
11 Feb. 2026
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McIntosh, a brilliant composer who has a sideline as a virtuoso early-music violinist, revelled in the microtonal shadings that Feldman built into his notation.—
Alex Ross,
New Yorker,
26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The judge said competent attorneys need to adhere to court evidence rules and be skilled tacticians.—
Rosalio Ahumada,
Sacbee.com,
21 Feb. 2026
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Iowa’s 15 community colleges could offer bachelor’s degrees in high-demand workforce areas, such as health care, advanced manufacturing and skilled trades.—
Stephen Gruber-Miller,
Des Moines Register,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
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But the kits can also have safety scissors or pencils with rubbery grippers to improve motor skills.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
26 Feb. 2026
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That’s why a new effort to upgrade math skills via legislation is — or at least should be — high on the Capitol’s must-do list.—
Dan Walters,
Oc Register,
26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Speaking of the Albert family, Kenny has done an absolutely masterful job on Olympic hockey.—
Mike Lupica,
New York Daily News,
21 Feb. 2026
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These flourishes are individually masterful, and lead to extended scenes that become hard to look away from, even though the doc as a whole doesn’t quite construct the strongest narrative foundations.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Takeaway With Generation Alpha, expect to see a new group of people who are more accepting of differences, more socially adept, tech-savvy, and perhaps more cognizant of complex issues like climate change.—
Sarah Cottrell,
Parents,
20 Feb. 2026
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Benge isn’t particularly speedy, but fast enough to play center field, and adept enough in his routes and tracking to play center as well.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The former tennis pro, who has emerged as a fan favorite for expert analysis and natural charisma, will join the network as an on-air commentator and host.—
Chris Gardner,
HollywoodReporter,
24 Feb. 2026
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Subscribe to the Life Kit newsletter for expert advice on love, money, relationships and more.—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
23 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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In Saturday’s season-opening game against Minnesota United, Austin FC looked proficient in the attacking third, making the net bulge twice.—
David Eckert,
Austin American Statesman,
21 Feb. 2026
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In addition, bilingual judges are needed for districts that have large numbers of people who may not be proficient in English, so those who speak Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Polish, Spanish, Ukrainian, Urdu, Gujarati, Korean and Tagalog are urged to apply.—
Melinda Moore,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Harmonia Rosales’ Black figurative paintings combine Eurocentric artistic traditions with African diasporic cosmologies as a way to course-correct the historical erasure of Black images from classical narratives.—
Evan Nicole Brown,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Feb. 2026
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This unmissable event will be an opportunity to celebrate a rich artistic year and laugh at the witty remarks of Benjamin Lavernhe, master of ceremonies for this edition.—
Elsa Keslassy,
Variety,
23 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Skillful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skillful. Accessed 27 Feb. 2026.
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