Synonym Chooser

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

The words deft and dexterous are common synonyms of adroit. While all three words mean "ready and skilled in physical movement," 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

When might deft be a better fit than adroit?

Although the words deft and adroit have much in common, deft emphasizes lightness, neatness, and sureness of touch or handling.

a surgeon's deft manipulation of the scalpel

In what contexts can dexterous take the place of adroit?

The words dexterous and adroit can be used in similar contexts, but dexterous implies expertness with consequent facility and quickness in manipulation.

unrolled the sleeping bag with a dexterous toss

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of adroit The fashion house is known for its adroit use of off-kilter patterns, which, in the skilled hands of Risso, convey a cerebral, never-twee aesthetic that is no less reflected in this new line. Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 25 Aug. 2023 These mother-and-son exchanges rinse and repeat in the first stages of the storytelling, under the adroit direction of Rob Lutfy, mingling tension and absurdity. David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 June 2023 Six months ago, his historic landslide victory was widely lauded, viewed as the triumph of a politically adroit change-maker whose centrist policies had swept him to power. Dan Bilefsky, New York Times, 7 May 2023 The Premonitions Bureau, an adroit debut from the New Yorker staff writer Sam Knight, draws us into a world not-that-far-gone in which psychic phenomena were yet untamed by science and uncanny sensations still whispered of the supernatural, of cosmic secrets. Ian Beacock, The New Republic, 25 Aug. 2022 See All Example Sentences for adroit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adroit
Adjective
  • Kirk Baxter’s arrhythmic cutting is designed around quicksilver shifts that, along with Barry Ackroyd’s restlessly attentive, mostly handheld camerawork, allow Bigelow to redirect our attention with virtuoso command.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Regardless, what’s left is an undeniably skillful and often thrilling performance, wrapped in a clever script.
    Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 21 Oct. 2025
  • The ability to win puck battles in dirty areas and make skillful plays in tight spaces is still there.
    Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Building off a masterful National League Championship Series performance, Yamamoto became the first pitcher to log consecutive postseason complete games since Arizona Diamondbacks ace Curt Schilling in 2001, and the first Dodger to do it since Orel Hershiser in 1988.
    Andy McCullough, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Still, Tagovailoa put on a masterful performance against the Falcons, completing 77% of his passes for 205 yards and four touchdowns.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Plus, an expert PEOPLE editor answers the burning question of the week, and one of our favorite stars joins us for a sitdown.
    Staff Author Updated, PEOPLE, 23 Oct. 2025
  • For full daily and monthly horoscopes as well as expert readings, see our full Horoscopes experience.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • While those connotations may have long since lost their relevance, contemporary designers have been embracing lace more than ever recently, filling collections in New York Bridal Fashion Week with beautiful gowns crafted in the delicate, classic material.
    Shelby Wax, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2025
  • She was elegantly dressed in a cream coat dress adorned with delicate embroidery, paired with matching heels and a coordinating clutch bag.
    Stephanie Giang-Paunon , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Named Aero Hand Open, the TetherIA’s open-source, underactuated robotic hand is meant to solve the robotic industry’s hardest problem, dexterous manipulation.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Its seven-degree-of-freedom robotic arm is paired with dexterous hands that can sense pressure changes and perform delicate movements.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Since their inception, the Wood Brothers have created a unique artistic world that combines Oliver’s deep love of rock, blues, and folk with Chris’ passion for jazz, classical, and improvisation, all aligning with the steadfast anchor of Rix’s percussive talents and sonic curiosity.
    Garret K. Woodward, Rolling Stone, 26 Oct. 2025
  • The beginning of a distinctly eastern artistic tradition The importance of Tunnug 1 extends beyond the extraordinary collection of artifacts.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Lupe remains the show’s strongest selling point — a deft comedic performer lending great pathos and charm to Morgan, who ought to be otherwise unbearable.
    Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2025
  • While not exactly the most exciting or eye-catching project to win an architecture award in recent years, the brick-and-wood building does ooze class and showcases a deft touch for the little details that make life more pleasant.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Adroit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adroit. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

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