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
  • Ragnar is one of the very best Nordic crime writers, as skillful in thrillers like this series as in murder mystery stories.
    Anders de la Motte, PEOPLE, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Setting boundaries requires a balance of self-awareness and skillful communication.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Their streets are lined with lush trees and their Victorian homes are like doll houses, painted in pastels and boasting masterful woodwork that draws crowds of admirers.
    Lyndsay C. Green, Freep.com, 3 Oct. 2025
  • As with earlier films such as Fire at Sea and Notturno, Gianfranco Rosi’s latest work is a masterful act of cinematic immersion.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • For full daily and monthly horoscopes as well as expert readings, see our full Horoscopes experience.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Subscribe to the Life Kit newsletter for expert advice on love, money, relationships and more.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This delicate stocking reminds us of the ones from our grandparents that were hand stitched with love every year.
    Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 2 Oct. 2025
  • As for glam and accessories, Jackson favored delicate rings, bracelet and dangle earrings in warm tones to augment her red dress.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • The robot is hydraulically powered, capable of lifting up to 441 pounds (200 kg) across both arms, and features dexterous manipulators for precise handling of tools and materials.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Coming right after Demna is obviously a major challenge for any artistic director, even a very experienced and talented one such as Pierpaolo Piccioli.
    Alex Wynne, Footwear News, 5 Oct. 2025
  • The struggle of artistic pursuit against personal and political constraints is a subtext embedded throughout An Unfinished Film.
    Yangyang Cheng, NPR, 4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • As much as the spy games are triggered by real-world violence and the occasional loss of a character like Marcus, there’s some dedication here to maintaining its deft, light, escapist appeal.
    Scott Tobias, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Vogt is all but certain to win again, despite Hinch’s deft handling of the Tigers’ tricky platoons across the board.
    Ryan Ford, Freep.com, 29 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Adroit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adroit. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

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