PROFICIENT Synonyms: 155 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'proficient' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of proficient are adept , expert , skilled , and skillful . While all these words mean "having great knowledge and experience in a trade or profession," proficient implies a thorough competence derived from training and practice. // proficient in translating foreign languages

Q: When might 'adept' be a better fit than 'proficient'?

In some situations, the words adept and proficient are roughly equivalent. However, adept implies special aptitude as well as proficiency. // adept at doing long division

Q: When could 'expert' be used to replace 'proficient'?

The words expert and proficient can be used in similar contexts, but expert implies extraordinary proficiency and often connotes knowledge as well as technical skill. // expert in the evaluation of wines

Q: In what contexts can 'skilled' take the place of 'proficient'?

The synonyms skilled and proficient are sometimes interchangeable, but skilled stresses mastery of technique. // a skilled surgeon

Q: When is it sensible to use 'skillful' instead of 'proficient'?

While the synonyms skillful and proficient are close in meaning, skillful implies individual dexterity in execution or performance. // skillful drivers

proficient 1 of 2

adjective

prə-ˈfi-shənt

Definition of proficient next

as in skilled

having or showing exceptional knowledge, experience, or skill in a field of endeavor she is quite proficient at computer repair a proficient rendition of a difficult piano piece

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

proficient

2 of 2

noun

as in adept

a person with a high level of knowledge or skill in a field an urgent call by the state department for proficients in Arabic

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word proficient distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of proficient are adept, expert, skilled, and skillful. While all these words mean "having great knowledge and experience in a trade or profession," proficient implies a thorough competence derived from training and practice.

proficient in translating foreign languages

When might adept be a better fit than proficient?

In some situations, the words adept and proficient are roughly equivalent. However, adept implies special aptitude as well as proficiency.

adept at doing long division

When could expert be used to replace proficient?

The words expert and proficient can be used in similar contexts, but expert implies extraordinary proficiency and often connotes knowledge as well as technical skill.

expert in the evaluation of wines

In what contexts can skilled take the place of proficient?

The synonyms skilled and proficient are sometimes interchangeable, but skilled stresses mastery of technique.

a skilled surgeon

When is it sensible to use skillful instead of proficient?

While the synonyms skillful and proficient are close in meaning, skillful implies individual dexterity in execution or performance.

skillful drivers

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of proficient

Adjective

But even the most proficient bakers have their off days, as any fan of The Great British Baking Show knows. —

Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 26 Nov. 2024 When students’ scores meet state standards, their skills are considered proficient. —

Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 5 Nov. 2024 By the time Eastwood had started to be accepted as a proficient director of genre movies thanks to The Outlaw Josey Wales and The Gauntlet, his ambitions had already deepened, as had his commitment to making movies that explored and toyed with his own big-screen image. —

Keith Phipps, Vulture, 1 Nov. 2024 The school's latest test scores show 15% of students were proficient readers and 13% were proficient in math. —

Krista Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 19 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for proficient

Recent Examples of Synonyms for proficient

Adjective

Managing Teams Through Worker Shortages The shortage of selectively skilled workers with limited experience challenges leaders to balance immediate needs with long-term growth.

Expert Panel®, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
The team is resolutely focused on improving these performances and fielding competitive drivers, with Jay Guy confirming the necessity of combining skilled drivers with adequate sponsorship backing.

Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024