deft

adjective

ˈdeft 

: characterized by facility and skill

the photographer's deft use of lighting

the deft fingers of the trumpeter

deftly adverb

deftness

ˈdef(t)-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of deft

• virtuoso
• skillful
• masterful
• delicate
• expert
• artistic
• smooth
• adroit

Choose the Right Synonym for deft

dexterous, adroit, deft 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

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

deft emphasizes lightness, neatness, and sureness of touch or handling.

a surgeon's deft manipulation of the scalpel

Examples of deft in a Sentence

The photographer is known for her deft use of lighting.

a luthier whose deft craftsmanship is prized by violinists the world over

Recent Examples on the Web

Dreyer and friends continue to receive two-way excellence from Danish defensive midfielder Jeppe Tverskov, whose deft chip set up the Baird-Dreyer scoring sequence. —Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Nov. 2025

What if, instead of going for Steven or Kristina, who could block their votes with a deft play of an idol, why not go after the flip-floppers and target Sage and Jawan? —Brian Moylan, Vulture, 27 Nov. 2025

But instead of stacking the deck in favor of one suitor — as many would — Patrick Cunnane’s deft script avoids it, drafting up two lovers with attributes and faults, just like Joan herself. —Randy Myers, Mercury News, 26 Nov. 2025

The song is a deft mix of R&B and country, and Ne-Yo’s voice is as smooth and commanding as ever. —Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 24 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

perhaps continuing Middle English daffte, daft, defte "well-mannered, gentle, dull, foolish" — more at daft

Note: Rather than being derived directly from Middle English, Modern English deft may go back to an unattested Old English *gedefte (with umlaut), with a meaning "fit, ready" developing to "apt, skilfull"; the sense shift is otherwise difficult to account for, though the lack of any certain attestation of deft in the sense "skillful" before the later 16th century makes this scenario hypothetical.

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for deft

• cleft
• heft
• left
• theft
• bereft

Kids Definition

deft

adjective

ˈdeft 

: quick and skillful in action

knitting with deft fingers

deftly adverb

deftness

ˈdef(t)-nəs 

noun