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 Bush and Bell both honed their leadership skills in Ferguson amid the racial unrest that followed the fatal shooting of Michael Brown by a police officer in 2014. — ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026 He may be limited as a route runner, but Arkin can move bodies in the trenches and be a nice complement to Raridon’s skills in the passing game. — Chad Graff, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026 Davis will play Catriona Vail, a problem-solver for billion-dollar corporate clients, who must deploy her damage control and crisis skills when her estranged daughter comes into harm’s way. — Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 4 Aug. 2026 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has displayed similar skill. — Dafna H. Rand, Foreign Affairs, 4 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
  • Large DAFs, like those affiliated with Schwab, Fidelity and Vanguard, also have expertise valuing private shares and other assets.
    — Robert Frank, CNBC, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Dickies combines an iconic workwear heritage with SureWerx’s expertise in occupational safety and performance footwear.
    — Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of expertise
Noun
  • 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
  • The Odysseus of legend is known for his cunning and his eloquence.
    — Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 15 July 2026
Definition of cunning
Noun
  • In the afternoon, book a spot at one of Copenhagen’s many hot tub experiences; some favorites include Hottub Copenhagen and CopenHot, the biggest outdoor spa in Denmark.
    — Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The experience reinforced her belief that the profession itself was never the problem.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of experience
Noun
  • Researchers found that former residents' new local elementary schools have 4 to 8% lower proficiency in both math and reading on California standardized tests.
    — Tim Fang, CBS News, 31 July 2026
  • The Eagles’ proficiency in the draft afforded them defensive dominance at a discount.
    — Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 30 July 2026
Definition of proficiency
Noun
  • Contributing Writer Laura Itzkowitz is a freelance writer and editor with a passion for covering travel, arts and culture, lifestyle, design, food, and wine.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Monsterama Con The 13th annual retro horror and sci-fi convention focuses on cinema, art, comics, literature and media with special guests, vendors, screenings and more.
    — Mary Caldwell, AJC.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of art
Noun
  • The Asian Pop category was created to celebrate the depth, diversity and extraordinary growth of pop artistry coming out of Asia.
    — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 30 July 2026
  • The craft and artistry of the art form is being spotlit by popular culture to an unprecedented degree.
    — Jenna Adrian-Diaz, Vogue, 30 July 2026
Definition of artistry
Noun
  • Shawn Vanderhoven is a partner at The Wiseman Group, a thought leadership and consulting firm working with many of the biggest and brightest companies in the S&P and focusing on developing a leader's ability to fully utilize their people’s talent.
    — Big Think, Big Think, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The community came together Wednesday to wish the young talent good luck at a send-off celebration and pizza party.
    — Allen Devlin, CBS News, 6 Aug. 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 7 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on skill

Nglish: Translation of skill for Spanish Speakers

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