DEXTEROUS Synonyms: 83 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'dexterous' different from other adjectives like it?

The words adroit and deft are common synonyms of dexterous . While all three words mean "ready and skilled in physical movement," dexterous implies expertness with consequent facility and quickness in manipulation. // unrolled the sleeping bag with a dexterous toss

Q: In what contexts can 'adroit' take the place of 'dexterous'?

The words adroit and dexterous can be used in similar contexts, but adroit implies dexterity but usually also stresses resourcefulness or artfulness or inventiveness. // the magician's adroit response to the failure of her prop won applause

Q: Where would 'deft' be a reasonable alternative to 'dexterous'?

While in some cases nearly identical to dexterous , deft emphasizes lightness, neatness, and sureness of touch or handling. // a surgeon's deft manipulation of the scalpel

dexterous

adjective

ˈdek-st(ə-)rəs

variants also dextrous

Definition of dexterous next

as in handy

skillful with the hands the dexterous watchmaker was able to repair the antique watch's delicate gears and parts

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in skillful

accomplished with trained ability dexterous handling of a potentially embarrassing situation

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word dexterous different from other adjectives like it?

The words adroit and deft are common synonyms of dexterous. While all three words mean "ready and skilled in physical movement," dexterous implies expertness with consequent facility and quickness in manipulation.

unrolled the sleeping bag with a dexterous toss

In what contexts can adroit take the place of dexterous?

The words adroit and dexterous can be used in similar contexts, but adroit implies dexterity but usually also stresses resourcefulness or artfulness or inventiveness.

the magician's adroit response to the failure of her prop won applause

Where would deft be a reasonable alternative to dexterous?

While in some cases nearly identical to dexterous, deft emphasizes lightness, neatness, and sureness of touch or handling.

a surgeon's deft manipulation of the scalpel

Examples of dexterous in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Jennifer Garner’s house is a dexterous blend of farmhouse charm and contemporary comfort. —

Ariel Foxman, Architectural Digest, 3 Sep. 2024 With an off-kilter tone and a dexterous, irreverent attitude toward religious fervor, Leach explores a range of topics, including vegetarianism, contemporary Christian music, and teaching English classes in Paraguay. —

The New Yorker, 19 Aug. 2024 Because the thing about the bio embodiment is that the human fingers, for example, are unbelievably dexterous. —

Steven Strogatz, Quanta Magazine, 18 July 2024 Her versatility in performing outsize character, smaller-scale portraiture, and dexterous musical numbers make her ideal for a comedy-variety program. —

Jesse Hassenger, Vulture, 10 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for dexterous

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dexterous.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.