adept

[uh-dept, ad-ept, uh-dept] / əˈdɛpt, ˈæd ɛpt, əˈdɛpt /

ADJECTIVE

very able

Synonyms

STRONGEST

accomplished adroit capable deft proficient skilled skillful versed

STRONG

ace clean crack crackerjack expert hotshot quick savvy sharp slick smooth there whiz wizard

WEAK

brainy dexterous hot know stuff masterful masterly no dummy no slouch nobody's fool on the ball on the beam practiced sharp as a tack up to speed

Antonyms

STRONGEST

awkward clumsy green incapable incompetent inept inexperienced unable unskilled unskillful

STRONG

coarse ignorant indefinite lazy rough slow stupid unintelligent

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Since the super-rich are adept at concealing their wealth, the actual number is likely much higher.

From Salon • Apr. 9, 2026

He became adept at stalling tactics that gave pitchers ample rest if they’d just returned to the dugout after running the bases.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

Anthropic on Tuesday said its yet-to-be-released artificial intelligence model called Claude Mythos has proven keenly adept at exposing software weaknesses.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

Barcelona's Lamine Yamal, the 2025 Ballon d'Or runner-up, is also equally adept at creating and scoring goals.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

To work out his species theory he had to become adept at describing at least one creature in minute detail.

From "Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith" by Deborah Heiligman

Vocabulary lists containing adept

100 SAT Words Beginning with "A"

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

The Phantom Tollbooth

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Bright Ideas: Synonyms For "Smart"

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!