skilled

1 of 2

adjective

ˈskild How to pronounce skilled (audio)
Synonyms of skillednext
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

skilled

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of skill entry 2

Synonyms of skilled

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Adjective

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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

Adjective 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.
Adjective
Tennis phenom Naomi Osaka is known not just as one of the sport’s most skilled players, but as one of its most boundary-pushing style stars. — Alexandra Hildreth, Vogue, 1 Sep. 2026 And as careers in skilled trades become more attractive alternatives to four-year degrees, fewer high school graduates are choosing to go straight to college. — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2026 Builders are also dealing with persistent shortages of skilled workers. — Mike Winters, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026 The company employs approximately 3,500 people in Indianapolis, including a skilled UAW workforce, while supporting thousands of additional jobs through its Indiana supply chain. — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for skilled

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1552, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of skilled was in 1552

Rhymes for skilled

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Browse Nearby Words

skill
skilled
skillet
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Cite this Entry

“Skilled.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/skilled. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

skilled

adjective
ˈskild How to pronounce skilled (audio)
1
: having skill : expert
skilled workers
2
: requiring skill and training
a skilled trade
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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