expert 1 of 2

expert

2 of 2

adjective

1
2

Try This Instead

For
Try This
an expert fisherman
an experienced fisherman
a pro fisherman
an excellent fisherman
an accomplished fisherman
a skilled fisherman
an expert doctor
an exceptional doctor
a knowledgeable doctor
a smart doctor
a specialized doctor
a superb doctor
an expert author
a professional author
an advanced author
a premier author
an esteemed author
a proficient author
an expert individual
an elite individual
an exceptional individual
an exemplary individual
an extraordinary individual
a special individual
an expert critic
a qualified critic
a superior critic
an elite critic
a senior critic
an official critic

Synonym Chooser

How is the word expert distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of expert are adept, proficient, skilled, and skillful. While all these words mean "having great knowledge and experience in a trade or profession," expert implies extraordinary proficiency and often connotes knowledge as well as technical skill.

expert in the evaluation of wines

In what contexts can adept take the place of expert?

The words adept and expert are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, adept implies special aptitude as well as proficiency.

adept at doing long division

When is proficient a more appropriate choice than expert?

While the synonyms proficient and expert are close in meaning, proficient implies a thorough competence derived from training and practice.

proficient in translating foreign languages

When could skilled be used to replace expert?

Although the words skilled and expert have much in common, skilled stresses mastery of technique.

a skilled surgeon

When is it sensible to use skillful instead of expert?

In some situations, the words skillful and expert are roughly equivalent. However, skillful implies individual dexterity in execution or performance.

skillful drivers

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 expert
Noun
This crisis, which human rights experts have described as a genocide, has also resulted in a moment of reckoning for the West. Hazlitt, 27 Feb. 2025 Since outbreaks of this magnitude occur infrequently, most currently practicing US physicians have never seen a case of measles, according to experts. Neha Mukherjee, CNN, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
Kickstart Your Day with The Morning Jolt Start your mornings with expert political insights from NR’s Jim Geraghty. Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 13 Feb. 2025 Our story examines these challenges, and provides expert advice to frustrated consumers. Elizabeth Both, NBC News, 10 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for expert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expert
Noun
  • Collaborators on the project include scholars Saidiya Hartman and Christina Sharpe, who are credited on the screenplay.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 20 Feb. 2025
  • The cartoonists Joe Sacco and Chris Ware pop up, as do the comics scholar Hillary Chute and J. Hoberman, who’s a longtime friend and a Times contributor.
    Manohla Dargis, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • For highly skilled job seekers, the choice is obvious.
    Sarah Elk, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Truly skilled, effective coaches don’t need to call their players names and berate them for messing up and know that doing so makes players afraid to take risks and be creative, critical parts of being a great soccer player.
    Jeff Rueter, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Many scientists have a master’s degree in geography or a related field. 8.
    Julia Korn, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025
  • Born in New York City, Bongino has a master’s degree in Psychology from Queens College and a master’s in Business Administration from Pennsylvania State University.
    Julia Gomez, USA TODAY, 24 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Saros With Returnal, developer Housemarque made the skillful transition from shmup to third-person shooter.
    Jordan Minor, PCMAG, 13 Feb. 2025
  • My partner’s organization, energy, confidence, focus, and skillful ability to take charge?
    Emma Specter, Vogue, 13 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • As excellent as Evans was as Cap, Mackie’s shown equal skill in crafting his own version of what that character should mean – in his case, weathering the pressures and politics of being a national symbol and being as adept with his words as his fists.
    Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2025
  • In every era of Rush’s career, the band were adept at making catchy, radio-friendly music.
    Al Shipley, SPIN, 12 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • As anti-aging gurus will tell you, collagen is a large molecule that help gives skin its firm, smooth appearance.
    Alison Escalante, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Meghan McCain and Bethenny Frankel are criticizing the aspiring lifestyle guru as Mindy Kaling defended misconceptions surrounding her friend in a recent interview.
    Jay Stahl, USA TODAY, 21 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The designer has been vocal about aiming at always including artistic and cultural events in the stores.
    Luisa Zargani, WWD, 19 Feb. 2025
  • People under the water sign are typically compassionate, artistic, intuitive, and wise.
    Janae McKenzie, Glamour, 19 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • And in eighth grade, a mere 31 percent were deemed proficient.
    Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025
  • Neither decline is considered significantly different by NCES but continue a worrisome trend: Fewer than 3 in 10 local test-takers scored proficient — or better — in reading.
    Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 29 Jan. 2025

Browse Nearby Entries

Cite this Entry

“Expert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expert. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on expert

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!