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

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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

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