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.

However, for a few of the weapons—the Patriots, THAADs, and SM missiles, which are adept at shooting down short-to-medium-range ballistic missiles—there are no good substitutes.

From Slate • Apr. 24, 2026

My mother, who was adept at Yiddish, didn’t keep kosher, but no ham or other pork products ever appeared in her refrigerator or on her well-plenished shelves.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

Others say the picture is more complicated and that some traders have become more adept at anticipating the president's interventions.

From BBC • Apr. 19, 2026

The losing streak began with a spinning top candle, which is adept at signaling potential trend changes.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

Within a few days I was quite adept at the machine.

From "Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography" by Mark Mathabane

Vocabulary lists containing adept

100 SAT Words Beginning with "A"

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The Phantom Tollbooth

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Bright Ideas: Synonyms For "Smart"

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