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.

Tehran has repeatedly proven adept at pumping oil under intense sanctions.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

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

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

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

From Salon • Apr. 9, 2026

Russians are still defying the blockade, always adept at finding new ways to access our journalism.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

As a result of all their outdoor exposure, Washington’s boys were, year after year, particularly hardy and particularly adept at rowing in rough water.

From "The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics" by Daniel James Brown

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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