skill

noun

ˈskil How to pronounce skill (audio)
Definition of skillnext
1
as in skillfulness
subtle or imaginative ability in inventing, devising, or executing something with unbelievable skill, the expert in origami transformed a few sheets of paper into a menagerie of exotic animals

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in expertise
skills plural knowledge gained by actually doing or living through something he had acquired valuable skills during his life at sea

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun skill contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of skill are artifice, art, craft, and cunning. While all these words mean "the faculty of executing well what one has devised," skill stresses technical knowledge and proficiency.

the skill of a glassblower

When could art be used to replace skill?

While in some cases nearly identical to skill, art implies a personal, unanalyzable creative power.

the art of choosing the right word

In what contexts can artifice take the place of skill?

While the synonyms artifice and skill are close in meaning, artifice suggests technical skill especially in imitating things in nature.

believed realism in film could be achieved only by artifice

When might craft be a better fit than skill?

The words craft and skill can be used in similar contexts, but craft may imply expertness in workmanship.

the craft of a master goldsmith

When is cunning a more appropriate choice than skill?

The synonyms cunning and skill are sometimes interchangeable, but cunning suggests ingenuity and subtlety in devising, inventing, or executing.

a mystery plotted with great cunning

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of skill For a player like Wright, returning not only means payment but also another season of play and development of skills. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 25 Aug. 2026 The rollout of Epicor Prism is in response to pressure on productivity and skills, the company said, noting that manufacturers and distributors in Latin America are under growing pressure to level up productivity. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 25 Aug. 2026 His overall athletic skills, tools and versatility on the field along with his offseason physical gains should show well on his early season video. — Tim O'Halloran, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026 Foundational skills and knowledge-building are important, but students also need time to actually read. — Katie Pace Miles, New York Daily News, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for skill
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skill
  1. skillfulness
  2. expertise
  3. cunning
  4. experience
  5. proficiency
  6. art
  7. artistry
  8. talent
Noun
  • After taking over hosting duties from Padma Lakshmi in season 21, Kish is now the undeniable face of the series, one that represents the continuously evolving future of its programming, which prioritizes culinary skillfulness.
    — McKinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 21 June 2026
Definition of skillfulness
Noun
  • Catholic leaders and fellow scholars say Levine was chosen for her expertise, praising her election as a sign of deeper interfaith cooperation.
    — Peter Smith, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Ternus’s expertise in executing on Apple’s product roadmap and maintaining the company’s high engineering standards signals a commitment to a central pillar of the Apple brand, even as the company seeks to evolve with the times.
    — Sebastian Herrera, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of expertise
Noun
  • Rhaenyra also dismisses Mysaria, a wise move carried out in a very unwise manner, given the woman’s cunning.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Nolan foregrounds the nobility that guides the character (his guilt, his dedication to his men, his yearning for his family) and neglects his wily cunning and egotism.
    — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 27 July 2026
Definition of cunning
Noun
  • In a Facebook post with nearly 500 likes and 40 comments as of Friday afternoon, the Gagnons spoke about their experience establishing the brewery and its part in the local community.
    — John Magsam, Arkansas Online, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Prospective candidates can apply through Deel's website, where they'll be asked to provide personal information, social media handles, and details about their ice cream experience.
    — Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of experience
Noun
  • Those standards can examine technical proficiency, past cyber operations, facility security, personnel vetting and reliability.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Safe experimentation is a critical step toward AI proficiency and understanding how to properly manage it.
    — Suzanne Konstance, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of proficiency
Noun
  • Following Abloh’s death in November 2021, Kamara was appointed as art and image director and presented his first show, Spring/Summer 2023, in Paris that year.
    — Luke Leitch, Vogue, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Their generosity, humanity and belief in the importance of fashion as art, culture and history, as well as their understanding of human fragility and the possibility of growth, will remain with me always.
    — Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of art
Noun
  • Let his latest performance stand as an exhibit for his artistry.
    — Gabriel Burns, AJC.com, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Watching Jeanie Buss make her rounds underscored the artistry of hosting, of choreographing experiences, of cultivating culture.
    — Marcus Thompson II, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of artistry
Noun
  • The studio has released seven titles that have won 10 Emmy Awards and two Annie Awards, with voice talent including Glenn Close, Jennifer Hudson, Ethan Hawke, John Legend, Lupita Nyong’o, Daisy Ridley and Oprah Winfrey.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Everyone from Sabrina Carpenter to Taylor Swift to Barack Obama has honored Parton, calling out her talent, her kindness, and her sense of giving.
    — Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of talent

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skiffs
skill
skilled
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Cite this Entry

“Skill.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skill. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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