SKILLFUL Synonyms: 119 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of skillful are adept , expert , proficient , and skilled . While all these words mean "having great knowledge and experience in a trade or profession," skillful implies individual dexterity in execution or performance. // skillful drivers

Q: In what contexts can 'adept' take the place of 'skillful'?

While in some cases nearly identical to skillful , adept implies special aptitude as well as proficiency. // adept at doing long division

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

Although the words expert and skillful have much in common, expert implies extraordinary proficiency and often connotes knowledge as well as technical skill. // expert in the evaluation of wines

Q: When would 'proficient' be a good substitute for 'skillful'?

The synonyms proficient and skillful are sometimes interchangeable, but proficient implies a thorough competence derived from training and practice. // proficient in translating foreign languages

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

While the synonyms skilled and skillful are close in meaning, skilled stresses mastery of technique. // a skilled surgeon

skillful

adjective

ˈskil-fəl

Definition of skillful next

as in virtuoso

accomplished with trained ability the ice skater performed a skillful and graceful series of jumps

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in skilled

having or showing exceptional knowledge, experience, or skill in a field of endeavor performance testing of automobiles that should be done only by skillful drivers on a closed course

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How is the word skillful distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of skillful are adept, expert, proficient, and skilled. While all these words mean "having great knowledge and experience in a trade or profession," skillful implies individual dexterity in execution or performance.

skillful drivers

In what contexts can adept take the place of skillful?

While in some cases nearly identical to skillful, adept implies special aptitude as well as proficiency.

adept at doing long division

When is it sensible to use expert instead of skillful?

Although the words expert and skillful have much in common, expert implies extraordinary proficiency and often connotes knowledge as well as technical skill.

expert in the evaluation of wines

When would proficient be a good substitute for skillful?

The synonyms proficient and skillful are sometimes interchangeable, but proficient implies a thorough competence derived from training and practice.

proficient in translating foreign languages

When might skilled be a better fit than skillful?

While the synonyms skilled and skillful are close in meaning, skilled stresses mastery of technique.

a skilled surgeon

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 skillful As Bears coach, Ditka was confident enough in his position to accept the involvement of the irascible, disrespectful but skillful defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan as necessary to the team’s Super Bowl success. —

Michael Peregrine, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024 His skillful work and unique sound put him in the room with greats including Frank Sinatra, Dizzy Gillespie, Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett, Aretha Franklin and Ray Charles, while his hitmaking prowess and partnership with Michael Jackson etched him forever in pop music's record books. —

Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY, 4 Nov. 2024 The technical attacker is versatile, quick and skillful. —

Andy Jones, The Athletic, 16 Aug. 2024 Both versions delivered a skillful cocktail of laughs and scares without true paranormal activity. —

Anupama Chopra, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for skillful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for skillful

Adjective

In a world that is becoming increasingly more millennial gray and sad beige, Mejia points out how people seem to crave homes that are more individualized since there’s so much homogeneity in buildings due to labor and construction costs, and a lack of skilled craftsmen.

Sandy Sanchez, Architectural Digest, 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