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

He has reportedly built a reputation as a career Apple insider who is decisive, collaborative and adept at navigating the company’s culture.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 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 leagues will tell you that these changes are far less disruptive to younger viewers, who are much more adept at locating programming.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

The design was so elegant, so adept at exploiting the strength of thin strands of steel, that the wheel appeared incapable of withstanding the stresses placed upon it.

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson

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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