SKILLED Synonyms: 106 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of skilled are adept , expert , proficient , and skillful . While all these words mean "having great knowledge and experience in a trade or profession," skilled stresses mastery of technique. // a skilled surgeon

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

The synonyms adept and skilled are sometimes interchangeable, but adept implies special aptitude as well as proficiency. // adept at doing long division

Q: When can 'expert' be used instead of 'skilled'?

The meanings of expert and skilled largely overlap; however, expert implies extraordinary proficiency and often connotes knowledge as well as technical skill. // expert in the evaluation of wines

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

In some situations, the words proficient and skilled are roughly equivalent. However, proficient implies a thorough competence derived from training and practice. // proficient in translating foreign languages

Q: When could 'skillful' be used to replace 'skilled'?

While in some cases nearly identical to skilled , skillful implies individual dexterity in execution or performance. // skillful drivers

skilled

adjective

ˈskild

Definition of skilled next

as in skillful

having or showing exceptional knowledge, experience, or skill in a field of endeavor a delicate brain operation requiring the services of a highly skilled surgeon

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word skilled distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of skilled are adept, expert, proficient, and skillful. While all these words mean "having great knowledge and experience in a trade or profession," skilled stresses mastery of technique.

a skilled surgeon

When might adept be a better fit than skilled?

The synonyms adept and skilled are sometimes interchangeable, but adept implies special aptitude as well as proficiency.

adept at doing long division

When can expert be used instead of skilled?

The meanings of expert and skilled largely overlap; however, expert implies extraordinary proficiency and often connotes knowledge as well as technical skill.

expert in the evaluation of wines

When is it sensible to use proficient instead of skilled?

In some situations, the words proficient and skilled are roughly equivalent. However, proficient implies a thorough competence derived from training and practice.

proficient in translating foreign languages

When could skillful be used to replace skilled?

While in some cases nearly identical to skilled, 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 skilled Modi is also expected to push for the expansion of H-1B visas that bring skilled foreign workers to the U.S. tech sector, 75% of which go to Indian nationals. —

Mithil Aggarwal, NBC News, 13 Feb. 2025 However, the company remains optimistic about long-term demand for skilled nursing care. —

Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 13 Feb. 2025 But after adding three inexpensive yet highly skilled perimeter players — Vandersloot for facilitation, Allen and Nurse for high-volume 3-point shooting — the Sky are now more likely to retain the No. 3 and No. 10 picks to dig into the second phase of building through the draft. —

Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 2 Feb. 2025 All these defense strategies will require adequate funding, with the needs likely to increase as cyber criminals become ever more skilled. —

Editorial, Boston Herald, 1 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for skilled

Recent Examples of Synonyms for skilled

Adjective

My partner’s organization, energy, confidence, focus, and skillful ability to take charge?

— Emma Specter, Vogue, 13 Feb. 2025
Saros With Returnal, developer Housemarque made the skillful transition from shmup to third-person shooter.

— Jordan Minor, PCMAG, 13 Feb. 2025