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 Hoyer shockingly stole Counsell from the Brewers three years ago with the lure of the biggest managerial contract ever, believing Counsell’s obvious skills and brains would help strengthen the Cubs and weaken the Brewers. — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026 How quickly his skill translates remains one of the season’s largest unknowns. — C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 18 Oct. 2026 Lambert, who was a substitute at Silver Rail before becoming a full-time teacher, also traveled to Barcelona, Spain, to sharpen her skills teaching English as a second language. — Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2026 This dynamic, known as parentification, often arises when parents lack the physical, mental, or emotional skills needed to fully support their child. — Parents, 17 Oct. 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
  • He is known for his soft touch, luxury fabric and leather expertise, and ability to work across ready-to-wear, footwear and accessories.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • But their local expertise, connections, courage, and instincts could stave off death or captivity.
    — Ben Taub, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of expertise
Noun
  • Since the second Inauguration, the Trumps and their satraps have operated with all the commercial cunning of the Corleone family; the White House is their front, their Genco Pura Olive Oil Company.
    — David Remnick, New Yorker, 11 Oct. 2026
  • 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
Definition of cunning
Noun
  • In this painful experience, one is exposed (the betrayal that is blushing) and longs to hide oneself.
    — Eugenie Brinkema, ARTnews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
  • My own experience building what became a multi-billion-dollar company says otherwise.
    — Giorgos Tsetis, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of experience
Noun
  • The flight simulator focuses on pilot proficiency, while the maintenance trainer is intended to develop the technical skills needed to keep aircraft available for missions.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2026
  • But technical proficiency with AI is only part of the equation.
    — Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of proficiency
Noun
  • Hickel, meanwhile, distinguished the uncertainty facing professional employment from the enduring ability to create art.
    — Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
  • There’s the menagerie of found object ephemera that provides a sense of intimacy and personality (look for the wild bit of art hanging in the spa entrance).
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of art
Noun
  • Just about all of their artistry is exerted on the script, which deftly intercuts between the time frames, advancing their plots in episodes that, though tersely dramatic, are superficial in their efficiency.
    — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The audience not only experienced the distinctive appeal of Chinese-language music but also recognized Tia’s exceptional artistry, which combines her Eastern cultural roots with a global musical language.
    — Billboard China, Billboard, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of artistry
Noun
  • Games Can’t Gamble on Talent Opportunities to develop emerging talent are becoming harder to find, particularly in video games, van Beek said.
    — Callum McLennan, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Some from the more traditional world struggled to understand a TV and film production company that began life as a music video producer and doubled as a commercials maker and talent house for directors.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of talent

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Cite this Entry

“Skill.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skill. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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