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 proficient

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 With increasing production complexity and a growing shortage of skilled labor, the Group views Physical AI systems as a robust solution to address gaps in both areas. —

Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 12 Feb. 2026 But similar to his role on a young Sharks team that features Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith, Wennberg is not necessarily being asked to be the main offensive driver on Sweden’s skilled roster. —

Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2026 The list of skilled talent deemed unsuitable by the coaching staff since the spring of 2024 includes the list above, married to names like Jeff Skinner and Viktor Arvidsson, all of whom were found wanting. —

Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 11 Feb. 2026 The park’s growth is supported by a skilled and stable workforce. —

Sj Studio, Sourcing Journal, 11 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for skilled

Recent Examples of Synonyms for skilled

Adjective

The test, given in 2024, revealed that only 22% of 8th graders scored at or above proficient in reading.

— Larry Sand, Daily News, 6 Feb. 2026
On the National Assessment of Educational Progress exam, only 29% of California 4th-graders and 25% of 8th-graders scored proficient in reading and math.

— Jill Stegman, Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2026

Definition of proficient

Browse Nearby Words

skill

skilled

skillful

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Skilled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skilled. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

Copy Citation

Last Updated: 14 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of skilled

adjective

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on skilled

More from Merriam-Webster

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the Day

vertiginous

Popular in Grammar & Usage

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

'Buck naked' or 'butt naked'?

What does 'etcetera' mean?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

What’s the difference between ‘cemetery’ and ‘graveyard’?

Popular in Wordplay

16 Glee-ridden Words from Schitt's Creek

Did Orange the Fruit or the Color Come First?

Why Is the Letter ‘Z’ Associated With Sleeping?

The Words of the Week - Feb. 13

Why do we call it 'ides of March'?

Popular

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

16 Glee-ridden Words from Schitt's Creek

Did Orange the Fruit or the Color Come First?

Games & Quizzes