1
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
2
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of skillful
Elegant materials, bespoke furnishings, skillful layering of textures, and eye-catching lighting are all hallmarks of Hogarty’s soulful spaces, and the firm seeks to create an emotional response with its polished yet comfortable aesthetic.
—
Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 10 Feb. 2026
During her tenure at UTA, her skillful agenting has shaped and built the careers of so many iconic talents.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 5 Feb. 2026
She is remembered as a gifted painter and skillful in pastels, in addition to being an avid supporter of philanthropic causes and frequent golfer, finding both love and frustration in the sport, her family says.
—Alysa Guffey, IndyStar, 4 Feb. 2026
There are plenty of anthropological accounts of skillful people earning social status and bullies being quickly cut down.
—Thomas Morgan, The Conversation, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for skillful
Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 10 Feb. 2026
During her tenure at UTA, her skillful agenting has shaped and built the careers of so many iconic talents.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 5 Feb. 2026
She is remembered as a gifted painter and skillful in pastels, in addition to being an avid supporter of philanthropic causes and frequent golfer, finding both love and frustration in the sport, her family says.
—Alysa Guffey, IndyStar, 4 Feb. 2026
There are plenty of anthropological accounts of skillful people earning social status and bullies being quickly cut down.
—Thomas Morgan, The Conversation, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for skillful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skillful
Adjective
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Slafkovský had two goals and an assist in a virtuoso performance, and Iowa Wild goaltender Samuel Hlavaj was sensational, stopping 39 of 40 shots, including an 18-save first period that gave his team belief that the improbable was possible.—
Mark Lazerus,
New York Times,
11 Feb. 2026
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McIntosh, a brilliant composer who has a sideline as a virtuoso early-music violinist, revelled in the microtonal shadings that Feldman built into his notation.—
Alex Ross,
New Yorker,
26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Having spent a decade in lower-skilled positions at Virco, including in shipping and receiving, Moss is excited to have this chance.—
Andrea Hsu,
NPR,
13 Mar. 2026
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Many of the region’s preschools operate on shoe-string budgets, serving largely low-income families who cannot afford the tuition hikes that would cover higher-skilled teachers or extra training.—
Michael Cuglietta,
The Orlando Sentinel,
13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The other noticeable thing about new Kalo did not have a lot to do with history but rather very clever editing as producers put together a masterful montage of Genevieve working the entire tribe against Aubry.—
Dalton Ross,
Entertainment Weekly,
12 Mar. 2026
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Harvey also led Team USA to a gold medal at the Milan Cortina Olympics, won tournament MVP and put her masterful skating and offensive skills on display on the biggest stage.—
Hailey Salvian,
New York Times,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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As an actress, Avery is an equally adept story teller.—
Heide Janssen,
Oc Register,
15 Mar. 2026
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But just as it is said that both John Kennedy and Ronald Reagan were extremely adept at the age of television.—
David Remnick,
New Yorker,
13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Sign up for Ced's Corner Sign up for Cedric Golden’s newsletter for hot takes and expert analysis each Tuesday on Texas Longhorns football and beyond.—
Cedric Golden,
Austin American Statesman,
18 Mar. 2026
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Subscribe to the Life Kit newsletter for expert advice on love, money, relationships and more.—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
17 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Maria is proficient on both guitar and marching snare drum, demonstrating strong technical skill, musical awareness, and adaptability across different musical styles and settings.—
Heide Janssen,
Oc Register,
15 Mar. 2026
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Fewer than 1 in 5 students are considered proficient readers or mathematicians, compared to a district average of roughly two-thirds — statistics that parents blame squarely on the district.—
Cayla Bamberger,
New York Daily News,
15 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Speaking at a March 13 press conference, Singaporean artist, filmmaker, and curator Ho Tzu Nyen, the Biennale’s artistic director, sharpened the theme further.—
News Desk,
Artforum,
16 Mar. 2026
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Suki Waterhouse made an artistic statement at the Vanity Fair Oscars after-party on March 15.—
Meg Walters,
InStyle,
16 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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John Keating, a combat veteran who served on the City Council for 15 years, pitched himself as an experienced politician who understands city government deeply.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
18 Mar. 2026
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Along with Atre’s problematic business dealings, the book explores his stormy relationship with Rachael Lynch, an experienced grower with a degree in environmental science.—
Stuart Miller,
Oc Register,
18 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Skillful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skillful. Accessed 20 Mar. 2026.
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