Synonym Chooser

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

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 skilled Consumers must also sign up for other aspects of Medicare, specifically drug coverage (Part D) and supplemental plans from insurers that pay for costs that aren't covered by traditional Medicare, such as extended stays in skilled nursing facilities and cost sharing. Stephanie Armour, CBS News, 4 Nov. 2024 San Mateo County In San Mateo County, the mask mandate only applies to health care workers and visitors in the patient care areas of skilled nursing facilities, according to the order. Caelyn Pender, The Mercury News, 2 Nov. 2024 Pollak said that continues to be the case, particularly for health care, while ZipRecruiter also has seen more interest in skilled trades along with finance and related businesses such as insurance. Jeff Cox, CNBC, 31 Oct. 2024 New York has a bevy of skilled players on offense, headlined by RB Breece Hall and the WR tandem of Davante Adams and Garrett Wilson. Stroud, Rodgers, Mixon, Adams and many more players have projected stat totals on Underdog Fantasy. Tim Van Straten, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for skilled 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skilled
Adjective
  • Both versions delivered a skillful cocktail of laughs and scares without true paranormal activity.
    Anupama Chopra, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Also, Cignetti’s skillful use of NIL resources to help build a talented roster has been remarkable.
    Mark LaSota, Ph.D., Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Methane is adept at absorbing red wavelengths in the visible spectrum and scattering blue light.
    Shi En Kim, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Nov. 2024
  • The idea is to target points props for high-usage point guards who are adept at running the pick-and-roll (PnR) and can pull up against the Celtics.
    Matt Modi, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The Bears have been really proficient with that package and Kramer on the field for goal line and short-yardage situations.
    Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2024
  • The studio musicians were highly proficient, and above all, Tatsuro’s arrangements were perfect.
    Billboard Japan, Billboard, 28 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • Later in the day, someone older or more experienced might have excellent advice for you.
    Georgia Nicols, The Denver Post, 14 Nov. 2024
  • With plenty of novice and intermediate trails, though, the mountain is generally favored by locals and more experienced skiers for its high elevation with double black diamond trails and, of course, that deep natural snowfall.
    Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Explaining the realities of decarbonizing to less expert audiences with strongly held views takes determination, patience and leadership.
    Dean Donovan, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
  • Courtney Klosterman is a home insights expert at Hippo Insurance.
    Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The numbers might tell us what people need, but only a practiced marketer's hand can weave those findings into a brand.
    Sahil Sethi, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024
  • The sun hung directly above azure waters of the northern Galapagos Marine Reserve, casting a glare as a small boat bobbed gently amidst the swells, its bow cutting through the calm surface with practiced ease.
    Melissa Cristina Marquez, Forbes, 22 Sep. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near skilled

Cite this Entry

“Skilled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skilled. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on skilled

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!