1
: having acquired mastery of or skill in something (such as a technique or a trade)
skilled in the art of negotiation
2
: of, relating to, or requiring workers or labor with skill and training in a particular occupation, craft, or trade
Choose the Right Synonym for skilled

proficient, adept, skilled, skillful, expert 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

adept implies special aptitude as well as proficiency.

adept at doing long division

skilled stresses mastery of technique.

a skilled surgeon

skillful implies individual dexterity in execution or performance.

skillful drivers

expert implies extraordinary proficiency and often connotes knowledge as well as technical skill.

expert in the evaluation of wines

Examples of skilled in a Sentence

a very skilled and talented writer He is skilled at cooking. Carpentry is a skilled trade.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
As usual, Ellie attempts to mask her feelings with sarcasm, but this doesn’t really work with Gail (who’s skilled at doing the same). Keith Phipps, Vulture, 28 Apr. 2025 However skilled labor shortages are a drawback for those setting up business. Paul Williams, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025 Guests can savor artisanal cocktails crafted by skilled mixologists while enjoying live entertainment on select evenings, creating an unforgettable dining experience under the stars. Michaela Trimble, Vogue, 28 Apr. 2025 He has been credited as a skilled recruiter and defensive coordinator who contributed to the school reaching the NCAA Tournament in each of those seasons. Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 28 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for skilled

Word History

First Known Use

1552, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of skilled was in 1552

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Skilled.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/skilled. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

skilled

adjective
1
: having skill : expert
skilled workers
2
: requiring skill and training
a skilled trade

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!