Definition of adroitnext

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 SpaceX is the implied template: Musk will advocate for privatizing the government, outsourcing the affairs of state to nimble entrepreneurs and adroit technologists. Franklin Foer, The Atlantic, 19 Oct. 2024 Naturally, Moore is formidable, acing an English accent and exhibiting an adroit sense of comic timing. Alison Herman, Variety, 5 Apr. 2024 The adroit reshufflings of narrative and perspective in ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ and ‘Poor Things’? Michael Ordoña, Los Angeles Times, 18 Nov. 2023 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 See All Example Sentences for adroit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adroit
Adjective
  • Slafkovský had two goals and an assist in a virtuoso performance, and Iowa Wild goaltender Samuel Hlavaj was sensational, stopping 39 of 40 shots, including an 18-save first period that gave his team belief that the improbable was possible.
    Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 11 Feb. 2026
  • McIntosh, a brilliant composer who has a sideline as a virtuoso early-music violinist, revelled in the microtonal shadings that Feldman built into his notation.
    Alex Ross, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Ryan plays a character who’s unbelievably skillful and unbelievably scared.
    Mike Ryan, IndieWire, 12 Mar. 2026
  • That was so skillful and subtle.
    Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The other noticeable thing about new Kalo did not have a lot to do with history but rather very clever editing as producers put together a masterful montage of Genevieve working the entire tribe against Aubry.
    Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Harvey also led Team USA to a gold medal at the Milan Cortina Olympics, won tournament MVP and put her masterful skating and offensive skills on display on the biggest stage.
    Hailey Salvian, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • For full daily and monthly horoscopes as well as expert readings, see our full Horoscopes experience.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Subscribe to the Life Kit newsletter for expert advice on love, money, relationships and more.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Because of its delicate nature, a special crate has to be built for its transport.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 13 Mar. 2026
  • The approach could help prevent both the robot and the satellite from spinning or drifting during delicate repairs.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Founded in 2023 by Alex Zhou Yong, the company has developed a broad range of dexterous hands spanning varying degrees of freedom for a wide range of clients.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 23 Feb. 2026
  • While the gloves are thin and dexterous enough for reeling, setting tip-ups, and (crucially) cracking open a beer, tasks like tying knots, unhooking fish, and snapping photos will still require bare fingers.
    Harry Spampinato, Outside, 6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The clip is arguably also a reflection of the content creator’s artistic use of AI.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 9 Mar. 2026
  • And yet, century after century, these art forms continue to endure — evolving, expanding and moving audiences in ways few artistic traditions ever have.
    Letters to the Editor, Washington Post, 9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Reminiscent of Kevin Young’s Ardency in its deft archival roots, music, and formal leanings, Printer’s Fist reminds what historical documentary poetry can still do, particularly when history is being erased everywhere from National Parks to liberal arts curriculums.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Mar. 2026
  • But through a series of deft legal maneuvers—joined to the ever more ambitious self-concepts of some international legal tribunals—Mauritius was able to win a second legal victory at another international tribunal, for the law of the sea.
    David Frum, The Atlantic, 2 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Adroit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adroit. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.

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