as in masterfully
in a skillful or expert manner
the company spokesperson deftly sidestepped the investigative reporter's questions
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Recent Examples of deftly
While known for cannoli, other specialties at Tony Cannoli Sweets & Eats include cheesecakes and deftly decorated multi-layer cakes with various fillings.
—
Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 13 Oct. 2025
An artificial intelligence trade that is lifting the entirety of the market, for one, as well as the restart of the Fed's easing cycle, and still-strong corporate earnings that show executives are deftly navigating business challenges.
—Sarah Min, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2025
The Jays managed through a best-of-five Division Series against the Yankees with just three starting pitchers, deftly navigating a bullpen day for a clinching Game 4.
—Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
Now, thanks to their design wizardry, the property has been deftly transformed into one five-bedroom, seven-bath retreat that’s understated and approachable with a relaxed floor plan.
—Tori Latham, Robb Report, 6 Oct. 2025
Period ambiance is kept low-key, mostly relegated to deftly chosen golden oldies (including a closing Sinatra track) that abet Kim Hong-jip and Lee Jin-hee’s original score.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 20 Sep. 2025
And there’s the rub that Predators so deftly explores.
—Jason Newman, Rolling Stone, 20 Sep. 2025
Anderson keeps all the parts moving deftly, with the help of cinematographer Michael Bauman and editor Andy Jurgensen.
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 18 Sep. 2025
In a world racing to harness the meteoric rise of artificial intelligence, one financial titan has deftly positioned itself at the vanguard of innovation.
—Tim Clark, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 13 Oct. 2025
An artificial intelligence trade that is lifting the entirety of the market, for one, as well as the restart of the Fed's easing cycle, and still-strong corporate earnings that show executives are deftly navigating business challenges.
—Sarah Min, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2025
The Jays managed through a best-of-five Division Series against the Yankees with just three starting pitchers, deftly navigating a bullpen day for a clinching Game 4.
—Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
Now, thanks to their design wizardry, the property has been deftly transformed into one five-bedroom, seven-bath retreat that’s understated and approachable with a relaxed floor plan.
—Tori Latham, Robb Report, 6 Oct. 2025
Period ambiance is kept low-key, mostly relegated to deftly chosen golden oldies (including a closing Sinatra track) that abet Kim Hong-jip and Lee Jin-hee’s original score.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 20 Sep. 2025
And there’s the rub that Predators so deftly explores.
—Jason Newman, Rolling Stone, 20 Sep. 2025
Anderson keeps all the parts moving deftly, with the help of cinematographer Michael Bauman and editor Andy Jurgensen.
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 18 Sep. 2025
In a world racing to harness the meteoric rise of artificial intelligence, one financial titan has deftly positioned itself at the vanguard of innovation.
—Tim Clark, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deftly
Adverb
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That time-out was just what was needed to establish that her show isn’t too masterfully polished.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
11 Oct. 2025
-
There are multiple styles too, like those in which the handles swapped leather for shiny metals, adding a contemporary twist and masterfully pairing with the models’ midi skirts, playful outerwear clad in primary colors, and preppy tailoring.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
30 Sep. 2025
Adverb
-
Burns, who is the White House bureau chief for Politico, skillfully kept the conversation moving, but also interspersed occasional scoop-seeking questions, like whether Emanuel will run for president in 2028.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
10 Oct. 2025
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Tonatiuh croons a few ballads, though Lopez skillfully takes on most of the heavy musical work.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
8 Oct. 2025
Adverb
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But Miller said overtime can push pay well above six figures, and in some cases past $300,000.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
20 Oct. 2025
-
With the game well in hand, Smith was actually trying to sub Zaha out in the 90th minute (and arguably should have done so sooner).—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
19 Oct. 2025
Adverb
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If donning the jacket leather side up, pops of sherpa fuzziness will still be yours to enjoy, as the coat’s patch pockets are artfully topped by the material.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
10 Oct. 2025
-
Few filmmakers have mined their own life as ruthlessly, or as artfully, as Noah Baumbach.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
3 Oct. 2025
Adverb
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A bit further from the wreckage was a leather purse, jacket and a small pair of brown heeled boots that laid neatly next to a broken and bloody plastic chair.—
Aaron Valdez,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
18 Oct. 2025
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The agreement coincided neatly with the 10th anniversary of her brand.—
Justin Fenner,
Robb Report,
18 Oct. 2025
Adverb
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In this case, the characters’ back stories are knitted together with an impactful range of lyrics that Swindley has mined from the country music canon, repeatedly adroitly interweaving song lyrics and dialogue.—
Christopher Smith,
Oc Register,
4 Aug. 2025
Adverb
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Wondering how to expertly combine two fall fashion trends?—
Jamie Allison Sanders,
PEOPLE,
17 Oct. 2025
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Captain Maya Le Tissier was at the heart of their steely backline, which midfielders Hinata Miyazawa and Julia Zigiotti Olme expertly screened.—
Tamerra Griffin,
New York Times,
17 Oct. 2025
Adverb
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And Berchtold capably taps into the raw pain underneath Paul’s party-bro exterior, rendering him pitiable if not exactly likable.—
Angie Han,
HollywoodReporter,
14 Oct. 2025
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Can Bub Carrington score more efficiently and defend more capably?—
John Hollinger,
New York Times,
8 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Deftly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deftly. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.
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