expert 1 of 2

Definition of expertnext

expert

2 of 2

adjective

1
2

Synonym Chooser

How is the word expert distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of expert are adept, proficient, skilled, and skillful. While all these words mean "having great knowledge and experience in a trade or profession," expert implies extraordinary proficiency and often connotes knowledge as well as technical skill.

expert in the evaluation of wines

In what contexts can adept take the place of expert?

The words adept and expert are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, adept implies special aptitude as well as proficiency.

adept at doing long division

When is proficient a more appropriate choice than expert?

While the synonyms proficient and expert are close in meaning, proficient implies a thorough competence derived from training and practice.

proficient in translating foreign languages

When could skilled be used to replace expert?

Although the words skilled and expert have much in common, skilled stresses mastery of technique.

a skilled surgeon

When is it sensible to use skillful instead of expert?

In some situations, the words skillful and expert are roughly equivalent. However, skillful implies individual dexterity in execution or performance.

skillful drivers

How is the word expert distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of expert are adept, proficient, skilled, and skillful. While all these words mean "having great knowledge and experience in a trade or profession," expert implies extraordinary proficiency and often connotes knowledge as well as technical skill.

expert in the evaluation of wines

In what contexts can adept take the place of expert?

The words adept and expert are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, adept implies special aptitude as well as proficiency.

adept at doing long division

When is proficient a more appropriate choice than expert?

While the synonyms proficient and expert are close in meaning, proficient implies a thorough competence derived from training and practice.

proficient in translating foreign languages

When could skilled be used to replace expert?

Although the words skilled and expert have much in common, skilled stresses mastery of technique.

a skilled surgeon

When is it sensible to use skillful instead of expert?

In some situations, the words skillful and expert are roughly equivalent. However, skillful implies individual dexterity in execution or performance.

skillful drivers

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 expert
Noun
Think smart Concerns about social media’s impact on kids’ mental health aren’t new — but for parents who don’t want to ban it altogether, an expert says there’s one skill that can make a real difference. Toni Odejimi, CNN Money, 29 Apr. 2026 From purely aesthetic DIYs to more structural renovations, these are the top projects experts say can increase your home's overall value. Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
Here are some of the best types of juniper shrubs to consider, plus expert tips for choosing the right varieties for your landscape. Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Apr. 2026 Plus, an expert PEOPLE editor answers the burning question of the week, and one of our favorite stars joins us for a sitdown. Staff Author, PEOPLE, 23 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for expert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expert
Noun
  • This new iteration was partly handled by Room40 label boss Lawrence English, who reconstructed the original master tapes and blended them with recent performances by Lockwood and Vanessa Tomlinson, who plays the gong.
    Joshua Minsoo Kim, Pitchfork, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Leaders of the gardens have been undergoing a master planning effort for more than a year in an effort to accommodate visitation of the botanical garden doubling to more than 300,000 people annually over the past decade.
    Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The teacher was Orlandi himself, both an authority on the history of the instrument and a virtuoso performer.
    Tim Parks, New Yorker, 11 Apr. 2026
  • The French Connection is now mostly remembered for its virtuoso chase scene and Gene Hackman’s charm.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • And their second-best defender, Jaden McDaniels, is skilled at calling the Nuggets’ names.
    Troy Renck, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
  • While one research study found REIT investments were associated with higher spending on nursing wages, another concluded that after being bought by REITs, nursing homes frequently replaced registered nurses with less skilled nurses and aides.
    Jordan Rau, Miami Herald, 23 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The classes will be led by fan favorite instructors like running and strength coach Rebecca Kennedy, cycling guide Ally Love and cardio and strength guru Rad Lopez.
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Bambaataa exuded a guru aspect, the source of his virtue being, in some sense, his fidelity to home.
    Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Miami coach Mario Cristobal is known for his skillful recruiting of top prospects.
    Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2026
  • And can that leader evolve and morph over time, hopefully becoming more skillful.
    Neil Senturia, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The numbers also highlight how Safonov is making cross claims or sweeping outside his box more than twice the rate Chevalier is, although the Frenchman is more adept with his feet, playing more passes, completing a higher rate.
    Tom Burrows, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Different power plants have different beneficial attributes, and nuclear power plants are especially adept at meeting round the clock demand.
    Paige Lambermont, Oc Register, 26 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • That won't mean much to most gamers or even most PC enthusiasts, but for memory-tuning wizards like 1usmus, more levers to pull in overclocking and timing adjustments may make more capable memory overclocks possible in the future.
    Jon Martindale, PC Magazine, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Get ready for witches, munchkins and even the wizard.
    Stacey Zable, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Just 9 percent of Black and 6 percent of Latino eighth graders were proficient in math; just one in one hundred of either group was advanced.
    Steven F. Wilson, The Atlantic, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Cuevas has been a more proficient blocker than pass catcher at his three college stops — Cal Poly, Washington and Alabama.
    ABC News, ABC News, 21 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Expert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expert. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on expert

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster