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

Relevance

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

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 proficient

Adjective

Being agile involves having a diverse team of skilled translators who are proficient in a wide range of languages, including those that might be on the rise due to changing global dynamics. —

Irene Agnew, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024 However, there is some progress—more elementary students are proficient in reading compared to last year, with performance now above pre-pandemic levels for the first time. —

Chicago Tribune, 26 Oct. 2024 In terms of reading, 47% of Kentucky elementary students were proficient, while 37% were in JCPS. —

Krista Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 3 Oct. 2024 Carpenter is proficient as a live performer and serviceable as a singer, but her real power lies in the craftsmanship of her songs. —

Brian McCollum, Detroit Free Press, 27 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for proficient

Recent Examples of Synonyms for proficient

Adjective

Granted, this is a long and convoluted path to my main point: To deflect further assaults on democratic norms, Trump’s foes will need a skilled, focused and thoughtful leader.

Steven Greenhut, Orange County Register, 15 Nov. 2024
Rebuilding Notre Dame required help from skilled craftsmen from around the globe and the use of tools — created on-site — that match those used by the original workers who built the cathedral centuries ago.

Rebecca Cohen, NBC News, 8 Nov. 2024