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
The invader is a skillful art restorer, Lori Butler (Michaela Coel), who’s been hired by Julian’s greedy children, Barnaby (James Corden) and Sallie (Jessica Gunning), to work, or pose, as their father’s new assistant.
—
Justin Chang, New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2026
Literary style and themes Critics have praised French’s novels for their vivid settings, psychologically nuanced characters, and skillful dialogue.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 1 Apr. 2026
Newport’s skillful direction drives the more than 3½-hour play (including two intermissions), making every minute count.
—Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2026
Finnish native Margareta Martin brought enthusiasm and skillful organizing following a move to Atlanta, a dynamic that helped establish a wide variety of cultural, business, artistic and culinary links between the Nordic world and here.
—Mark Woolsey, AJC.com, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for skillful
Justin Chang, New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2026
Literary style and themes Critics have praised French’s novels for their vivid settings, psychologically nuanced characters, and skillful dialogue.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 1 Apr. 2026
Newport’s skillful direction drives the more than 3½-hour play (including two intermissions), making every minute count.
—Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2026
Finnish native Margareta Martin brought enthusiasm and skillful organizing following a move to Atlanta, a dynamic that helped establish a wide variety of cultural, business, artistic and culinary links between the Nordic world and here.
—Mark Woolsey, AJC.com, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for skillful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skillful
Adjective
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The teacher was Orlandi himself, both an authority on the history of the instrument and a virtuoso performer.—
Tim Parks,
New Yorker,
11 Apr. 2026
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The French Connection is now mostly remembered for its virtuoso chase scene and Gene Hackman’s charm.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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This episode is a showcase for Aleida’s unapologetic, highly skilled direct communications style.—
Sophie Brookover,
Vulture,
1 May 2026
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Effective programs have shown a significant impact in building engineering pipelines, resulting in high numbers of full-time, highly skilled hires.—
Mike Kelleher,
Baltimore Sun,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Jose did a wonderful job, a masterful job at getting him there.—
Rohan Nadkarni,
NBC news,
3 May 2026
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Jose did a wonderful job, masterful job.—
Jay Posner,
Los Angeles Times,
2 May 2026
Adjective
-
Minnesota Timberwolves general manager Matt Lloyd is hopefully adept at multitasking.—
Paul Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
3 May 2026
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But to our wonderful surprise, O’Hara is equally adept at slapstick hijinks, as the lustful ladies get sufficiently sozzled awaiting their mysterious beau.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA Today,
3 May 2026
Adjective
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For full daily and monthly horoscopes as well as expert readings, see our full Horoscopes experience.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
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Judge Liman did not immediately rule on whether the expert testimony on the topics would be permitted.—
Cheyenne Roundtree,
Rolling Stone,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Yet, despite the fact that only 30% of CPS students in grades three through eight meet proficiency standards in reading and only 18% are proficient in math, CTU wants kids at a May Day political rally.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
1 May 2026
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In 2024, only 25% of eighth graders were proficient in math and 28% of students were proficient in reading.—
Matt Fleming,
Oc Register,
1 May 2026
Adjective
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Vienna was the artistic—and intellectual—inspiration for national socialism.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 Apr. 2026
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Take in its artistic vibe and walls lined with murals, a calm refuge from the outside world.—
Regina Zumarraga,
Travel + Leisure,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Beyond matters of logistics, companies also take an interest in human infrastructure; that is to say, the availability of a skilled and experienced workforce.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
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That means for Game 6, the pressure is squarely on the shoulders of the much younger, much less experienced Philadelphia Flyers.—
Matt Reigle OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
29 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Skillful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skillful. Accessed 4 May. 2026.
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