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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of skillful
Pine is once again a dynamic hero, relying on skillful manipulation more than brute force.
—
Judy Berman, Time, 9 Jan. 2026
The 5-11, 187-pound receiver is skillful at running routes and can create separation with his quick feet.
—Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 2 Jan. 2026
Mackey does especially skillful work conveying the legibility of Ella’s personal anxiety and political passion.
—Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 10 Dec. 2025
Even the uninitiated will be beguiled, though, by the director’s meditative style, his skillful portrait of industrial upheaval and decay, and the sense of wistfulness driving Tao’s lovely performance.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 9 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for skillful
Judy Berman, Time, 9 Jan. 2026
The 5-11, 187-pound receiver is skillful at running routes and can create separation with his quick feet.
—Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 2 Jan. 2026
Mackey does especially skillful work conveying the legibility of Ella’s personal anxiety and political passion.
—Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 10 Dec. 2025
Even the uninitiated will be beguiled, though, by the director’s meditative style, his skillful portrait of industrial upheaval and decay, and the sense of wistfulness driving Tao’s lovely performance.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 9 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for skillful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skillful
Adjective
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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
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Six points clear of Manchester City and Villa, Arsenal can boast form and — for the first time in a while — fitness, with Declan Rice marking his return to the lineup with a virtuoso two-goal display against Bournemouth.—
Jack Bantock,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The skilled direction of performance from the cast.—
Chris Gardner,
HollywoodReporter,
30 Jan. 2026
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In the rest of the territory, companies or nations attempting to mine would have to build their own energy grid and transport networks, given the interior’s lack of either, as well as import an entire skilled labor force.—
Tristan Bove,
Fortune,
30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Mike Vrabel has done a masterful coaching job to pull this team to the Super Bowl, but New England’s offense won’t be enough in this game.—
J.J. Bailey,
New York Times,
27 Jan. 2026
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In his masterful first novel, Lincoln in the Bardo, ghouls and spirits keep chattering away, as if at a corner barbershop, while Abraham Lincoln mourns his dead 11-year-old son, Willie.—
Pico Iyer,
Air Mail,
24 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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So our agents are very adept at dealing with this.—
Esme Murphy,
CBS News,
13 Jan. 2026
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But therein lies the challenge for Paramount and reflects Netflix’s adept strategic maneuvering.—
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld,
Fortune,
12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Finally, here's a story about the S&P 500, which outdistanced most expert forecasts in 2025.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
27 Jan. 2026
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Prevent water in your bird bath from freezing during the winter with these expert tips.—
Anne Readel,
Better Homes & Gardens,
26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Kelly was already a proficient fundraiser.—
Chris Brennan,
USA Today,
8 Jan. 2026
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The Villa manager saw a proficient ball carrier who was multi-functional — other coaches retain the view that Rogers can play anywhere from central midfield to up front, provided he is put in positions which harness his best attributes.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The French Armenian fashion designer, who has served as the artistic director of the maison’s menswear division for 38 years, presented her final collection at the Palais Brongniart in Paris on Saturday.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
26 Jan. 2026
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Hastie recently joined the National Theatre as deputy artistic director.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Namely, a mix of the aforementioned youngsters from all parts of the world, combined with group of experienced campaigners to guide them, because players proven at the top level in their mid to late twenties are not generally within Brighton’s spending capacity.—
Andy Naylor,
New York Times,
28 Jan. 2026
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There’s an equestrian centre for experienced riders and beginners alike, and the option to do the most touristy of all activities, camel riding in the dunes.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Skillful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skillful. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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