1
as in virtuoso
accomplished with trained ability
a luthier whose deft craftsmanship is prized by violinists the world over
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in skillful
skillful with the hands
the deft jeweler quickly attached the diamond to its mount on the gold band
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of deft
Denver comedy fans are well served this weekend with headlining sets from hometown hero Josh Blue, a stand-up crusher who’s been showing comics how it’s done since grabbing national attention in 2006 with his hilariously deft, self-effacing routines.
—
John Wenzel, Denver Post, 24 Dec. 2025
In a cultural environment that can often seem overwhelming, Morris is a deft, open-minded guide through the noise.
—Benjamin Cannon, The Atlantic, 23 Dec. 2025
Still, Jackson showed a remarkably deft touch in navigating public opinion in Karen Read's case.
—Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 20 Dec. 2025
Recorded during her Orquídeas era, this unexpected drop further cements Uchis as a deft purveyor of bops that exist purely to elevate your mood.
—Sigal Ratner-Arias, Billboard, 19 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deft
John Wenzel, Denver Post, 24 Dec. 2025
In a cultural environment that can often seem overwhelming, Morris is a deft, open-minded guide through the noise.
—Benjamin Cannon, The Atlantic, 23 Dec. 2025
Still, Jackson showed a remarkably deft touch in navigating public opinion in Karen Read's case.
—Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 20 Dec. 2025
Recorded during her Orquídeas era, this unexpected drop further cements Uchis as a deft purveyor of bops that exist purely to elevate your mood.
—Sigal Ratner-Arias, Billboard, 19 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deft
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deft
Adjective
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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
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Six points clear of Manchester City and Villa, Arsenal can boast form and — for the first time in a while — fitness, with Declan Rice marking his return to the lineup with a virtuoso two-goal display against Bournemouth.—
Jack Bantock,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The Dynamics of Leadership and Followership The military rigorously develops individuals in both leading and supporting roles, not through blind obedience, but through skillful contribution.—
Heather V. MacArthur,
Forbes.com,
22 Jan. 2026
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Unlike the times Fidel Castro maneuvered his way out of crises, Cuba’s current leadership has proved less skillful, more prone to inaction, and notoriously less popular than the late Cuban dictator.—
Nora Gámez Torres,
Miami Herald,
21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The show’s joys come from its frenetic nature, with some of Sondheim’s most masterful work tucked inside of Lapine’s searing insights about art and longing.—
David John Chávez,
Mercury News,
23 Jan. 2026
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But Spagnuolo has free reign over the defense and has done a masterful job since starting in 2019 when the Chiefs won the first of their three Super Bowl titles.—
Jeff Fedotin,
Forbes.com,
22 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Its approach not only delivers at scale, but also strengthens supply chains, creates skilled jobs, and supports a circular energy economy—proof that innovation and responsibility can advance together.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
23 Jan. 2026
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But when a great concept meets a skilled showrunner, the results can be magnetic, as with these outstanding spooky series.—
David Faris,
TheWeek,
23 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Grafting is a delicate, if not altogether tricky, experimental process.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
23 Jan. 2026
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Its blend of grapefruit, lemon, and orange packs a zesty punch, while the jasmine base note adds a delicate, soft undertone.—
Alyssa Morin,
InStyle,
22 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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His initial rise to fame came from playing cunning and ruthless centuries-old vampire Eric Northman on True Blood.—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
25 Jan. 2026
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They’re built up to be these impossibly deadly and evil and cunning foes, and then our much less impressive heroes manage to take them down through grit and determination or just dumb luck.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
22 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Finally, here's a story about the S&P 500, which outdistanced most expert forecasts in 2025.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
27 Jan. 2026
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Prevent water in your bird bath from freezing during the winter with these expert tips.—
Anne Readel,
Better Homes & Gardens,
26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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After a vocal break, the jam ends with Bonamassa playing his own lyrical solo, summarizing everything that came before it with deft, dexterous blues playing.—
Kory Grow,
Rolling Stone,
16 Jan. 2026
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In addition to their impressive brains, raccoons’ dexterous hands play a key role in their cognitively creative escapades.—
Kelly Lambert,
Fortune,
16 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Deft.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deft. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
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