1
as in skillful
accomplished with trained ability
a virtuoso performance of a piano concerto
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in skilled
having or showing exceptional knowledge, experience, or skill in a field of endeavor
a virtuoso director, he is known for using every resource and technique known to film to tell a story
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in expert
a person with a high level of knowledge or skill in a field
a violin virtuoso
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of virtuoso
Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 11 Feb. 2026
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
ABC News, 5 Mar. 2026
This posthumous album of free improv pairs the late pedal steel virtuoso with a metal-adjacent guitar-and-drums duo, to bracing, gravity-defying effect.
—H.d. Angel, Pitchfork, 4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for virtuoso
Adjective
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
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
Noun
Abdul-Jabbar, the low-post virtuoso who made more than 50% of his shots in 19 straight seasons to start his career, attempted only 28,307 field goals — and just 18 of them were 3-pointers after the shot was introduced to the league midway through his career.
—ABC News, 5 Mar. 2026
This posthumous album of free improv pairs the late pedal steel virtuoso with a metal-adjacent guitar-and-drums duo, to bracing, gravity-defying effect.
—H.d. Angel, Pitchfork, 4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for virtuoso
Recent Examples of Synonyms for virtuoso
Adjective
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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
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Literary style and themes Critics have praised French’s novels for their vivid settings, psychologically nuanced characters, and skillful dialogue.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Although Cleopatra and Nefertiti are more well-known, Hatshepsut stands out as one of the most skilled and successful female rulers of the ancient world.—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
3 Apr. 2026
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Manufacturers and employers across diverse industries throughout our state rely on these institutions to educate engineers, health care professionals, teachers, data scientists and other skilled workers emerging from this talent pipeline.—
Mark Denzler,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Elder law experts warn that the best protection against uncertainty, exploitation or government infringement of your independence is to plan ahead, early and often.—
Carol Marbin Miller,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2026
-
For its 310 students and more than 80 children from infants to toddlers, Greenland represents a second chance at school that is free from stigma and, experts say, a model for how young mothers can be reintegrated into education.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Petzold, who also wrote the script, is masterful at meting out backstory.—
Jake Coyle,
Boston Herald,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Brooke Bereuter was masterful in goal for Grapevine shutting out Argyle (18-4-3) until the shootout, including stopping a key penalty kick in the first half.—
Darren Lauber,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Austin Wells was particularly adept, going 4-for-4 from behind the plate.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
4 Apr. 2026
-
After multiple excursions in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), biologists can finally confirm one fish species that sometimes gives adept human rock climbers a run for their money.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Great science-fiction writers, almost by definition, are masters of cognitive estrangement.—
Stephanie Burt,
New Yorker,
1 Apr. 2026
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Insider experiences include a tour of a private palazzo by a prince no less, a painting class inspired by Caravaggio, and a master class in mixing the perfect aperitivo by resident masters.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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One of the first to mourn Browne’s passing was Craig Hella Johnson, founder and artistic director of Conspirare, the Grammy-winning professional choral ensemble.—
Mary Ann Grossmann,
Twin Cities,
31 Mar. 2026
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In this case, that blend of tradition and artistic interpretation resulted in a final product that stood out—if not entirely for the reasons the bride expected.—
Claire Dodds,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Roberto Rodríguez, 48, was one of the most proficient dancers.—
Natalia Favre,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Apr. 2026
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Only about one-third of high-school seniors are proficient in reading and just one-fourth are proficient in math.—
Courtney Corbello,
Oc Register,
4 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Virtuoso.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/virtuoso. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.
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