Synonyms: Expert

Whether you're into golf, chess, or ceramics, some skills take a lifetime to learn. These words describe people who have become masters in their chosen field. For more synonym lists, explore our Say What You Mean resources.
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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. accomplished
    highly skilled
    For the first time in more than a decade, Atwood — an accomplished poet, though best known for “The Handmaid’s Tale,” among other novels — is releasing a wide-ranging new collection of poetry. Washington Post (Sep 4, 2020)
  2. adept
    having or showing knowledge and skill and aptitude
    In two days we were fairly adept at matching the colors on our fingers with the colors on the keyboard diagrams. Cheaper by the Dozen
  3. capable
    having ability
    Pironkova is a very good player, but not a great one; Williams is so obviously a great player, but too often lately capable of some inexplicable dips. The Guardian (Sep 9, 2020)
    To be capable means you are able to do something. It might not be the highest level of expertise, but like the word competent it will get the job done properly. An expert would be described as "highly capable."
  4. competent
    properly or sufficiently qualified, capable, or efficient
    I realize that this group needs more than just a competent leader. Dry
  5. cultivated
    marked by refinement in taste and manners
    In a word, the society which Charles gathered round him was cultivated and intellectual to the highest degree. Scott, Eva
    Cultivated comes from the Latin cultivus, meaning "tilled." It's the same root that gives us culture and agriculture, so a cultivated person is one who has grown, tended, and nurtured their learning over time, developing knowledge and understanding.
  6. laudable
    worthy of high praise
    Working to help kids is a laudable goal. Washington Post (Sep 28, 2016)
    Laudare is a Latin verb meaning "to praise." It's where we get applaud and plaudit.
  7. learned
    having or showing profound knowledge
    "My friend and fellow Bison Chadwick Boseman was brilliant, kind, learned, and humble. He left too early but his life made a difference. Sending my sincere condolences to his family." Fox News (Aug 29, 2020)
    "Learnèd" is pronounced with two syllables and describes a highly educated person.
  8. master
    be or become completely proficient or skilled in
    He was better known as a master pitching craftsman who felt the game in his bones. New York Times (Sep 3, 2020)
  9. seasoned
    aged or processed
    Little Buddy Rankin was a seasoned waterman with two children of his own. Jacob Have I Loved
    Food that's properly seasoned tastes better, and a person who is seasoned has had enough experience to develop expertise.
  10. skillful
    having or showing knowledge, ability, or aptitude
    He kept on working at it and daily under his skillful fingers it grew more beautiful. Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes
  11. versed
    thoroughly acquainted through study or experience
    They are reputed to be well versed in magical healing, divination, archery and astronomy. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
    Versari means "to be busy" in Latin, so if you say that someone is well-versed in a subject, they've put in the hours required to become an expert.
  12. wise
    having intelligence and discernment
    He was the oldest Pandava brother, and was known for being noble and just and wise. Aru Shah and the End of Time
Created on Mon Mar 09 20:55:39 EDT 2020 (updated Mon Mar 22 17:26:53 EDT 2021)

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