1
: having acquired mastery of or skill in something (such as a technique or a trade)
skilled in the art of negotiation
2
: of, relating to, or requiring workers or labor with skill and training in a particular occupation, craft, or trade
Choose the Right Synonym for skilled

proficient, adept, skilled, skillful, expert mean having great knowledge and experience in a trade or profession.

proficient implies a thorough competence derived from training and practice.

proficient in translating foreign languages

adept implies special aptitude as well as proficiency.

adept at doing long division

skilled stresses mastery of technique.

a skilled surgeon

skillful implies individual dexterity in execution or performance.

skillful drivers

expert implies extraordinary proficiency and often connotes knowledge as well as technical skill.

expert in the evaluation of wines

Examples of skilled in a Sentence

a very skilled and talented writer He is skilled at cooking. Carpentry is a skilled trade.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The best communicators are not just skilled speakers but also active listeners who understand the deeper layers of interaction. Mark Travers, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025 For those keeping track, her character – a highly skilled assassin – was a fundamental part of the superhero team known as the Avengers who gave her life in order to procure an Infinity Stone which ultimately defeated extraterrestrial supervillain Thanos and saved the universe. Dan Heching, CNN, 11 Mar. 2025 The move to point guard and the addition of several offensively skilled players created less of a need for Lee to score. Dan Arritt, Orange County Register, 9 Mar. 2025 And for Swifties skilled at making the handmade jewelry, Book is asking them to send inspirational friendship bracelets to her office: 4000 Hollywood Blvd, Suite 677-S, Hollywood, FL 33021. Don't miss any Taylor Swift news; sign up for the free, weekly newsletter This Swift Beat. Bryan West, USA TODAY, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for skilled

Word History

First Known Use

1552, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of skilled was in 1552

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Skilled.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/skilled. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

1
: having skill : expert
skilled workers
2
: requiring skill and training
a skilled trade

More from Merriam-Webster on skilled

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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