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Synonyms

wordsmith

American  
[wurd-smith] / ˈwɜrdˌsmɪθ /

noun

  • wordsmiths
    plural
  1. an expert in the use of words.

  2. a person, as a journalist or novelist, whose vocation is writing.


wordsmith British  
/ ˈwɜːdˌsmɪθ /

noun

  1. a person skilled in using words

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

Etymology

Origin of wordsmith

First recorded in 1895–1900; word + smith

Explanation

A wordsmith is someone who expertly crafts beautiful sentences and uses language in ways that move and resonate with readers and listeners. A wordsmith excels in the art of playing with language to create beautifully written pieces. This term describes someone who can weave words into compelling stories, persuasive arguments, or powerful poetry, showcasing a deep understanding of how to use the perfect combination of words and phrases. Wordsmiths often have a profound impact on their readers, using their linguistic skills to evoke emotions, provoke thought, or simply entertain.

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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.

See Examples For:

A talented wordsmith who writes his own books, and with a bestselling memoir penned before he considered running for office?

From Salon Jul. 29, 2026

She is a brilliant wordsmith, who had a transformative effect in literature by shifting the focus inward using indirect discourse to combine a character’s inner thoughts with the narrator’s voice.

From Los Angeles Times Dec. 30, 2025

Lorenz Hart was a great American wordsmith, and a great American catastrophe.

From The Wall Street Journal Oct. 16, 2025

Until recently considered a sign of carelessness or even stupidity, the error is now seen by some to be the indelible fingerprint of a human wordsmith.

From Slate Aug. 20, 2025

“Uh,” Bobby Gene said, ever the master wordsmith.

From "The Season of Styx Malone" by Kekla Magoon

But Major League Baseball today isn’t defined by crafty wordsmiths on the mound with their own styles.

From The Wall Street Journal Aug. 7, 2026

“Every morning reading him was like going to journalism school. He was one of the best and smartest wordsmiths in this city’s history.”

From Los Angeles Times Jun. 14, 2024

One of the fiercest wordsmiths on the planet, Nicki Minaj burst on to the scene with 2010's Pink Friday, at a time when female MCs were missing from mainstream hip-hop.

From BBC Oct. 8, 2023

As wordsmiths, we wield the quill that can amplify these narratives and rouse readers to action.

From Salon Aug. 19, 2023

Accomplished wordsmiths identify a need while writing, or spot a problem in a sentence while revising, and when all goes well the suitable word or construction pops into mind.

From "The Sense of Style" by Steven Pinker

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