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
Chicagoans first fell in love with the Italian comfort food in small late-night eateries that flourished thanks to the long hours, outgoing personalities and deft dough-throwing hands of their mom-and-pop owners.
—
Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026
McCarthy has a deft way with crafting suspense in his script, leading with character first, planting conversational bombs that go off at intervals throughout the plot.
—Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 1 May 2026
Draisaitl drove around the back of the net, sent the puck back down low to Vasily Podkolzin, who sent a deft pass net-front to Kasperi Kapanen, who cashed in.
—Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2026
What holds the movie together and gives it meaning is the deft command and high sizzle of Jaafar Jackson’s performance.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 21 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for deft
Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026
McCarthy has a deft way with crafting suspense in his script, leading with character first, planting conversational bombs that go off at intervals throughout the plot.
—Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 1 May 2026
Draisaitl drove around the back of the net, sent the puck back down low to Vasily Podkolzin, who sent a deft pass net-front to Kasperi Kapanen, who cashed in.
—Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2026
What holds the movie together and gives it meaning is the deft command and high sizzle of Jaafar Jackson’s performance.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 21 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for deft
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deft
Adjective
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The teacher was Orlandi himself, both an authority on the history of the instrument and a virtuoso performer.—
Tim Parks,
New Yorker,
11 Apr. 2026
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The French Connection is now mostly remembered for its virtuoso chase scene and Gene Hackman’s charm.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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This country has produced leaders who understood that the office was never about them, that service means something, and that the people watching from home deserve better than a system that rewards the skillful exit over the honest reckoning.—
Nick Weston,
The Orlando Sentinel,
2 May 2026
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Miami coach Mario Cristobal is known for his skillful recruiting of top prospects.—
Adam Lichtenstein,
Sun Sentinel,
25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Jose did a wonderful job, a masterful job at getting him there.—
Rohan Nadkarni,
NBC news,
3 May 2026
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Jose did a wonderful job, masterful job.—
Jay Posner,
Los Angeles Times,
2 May 2026
Adjective
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This episode is a showcase for Aleida’s unapologetic, highly skilled direct communications style.—
Sophie Brookover,
Vulture,
1 May 2026
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Effective programs have shown a significant impact in building engineering pipelines, resulting in high numbers of full-time, highly skilled hires.—
Mike Kelleher,
Baltimore Sun,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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While discussing the delicate tone of the show and its balance of being a satire on the Hollywood movie business and a love letter to chasing your dream, Cretton said the creative team focused on character to find their way.—
Borys Kit,
HollywoodReporter,
30 Apr. 2026
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Also on view are selections from the Macchia series, known for bold color combinations and ruffled edges, and the delicate Seaforms, which evoke underwater life through translucent layers of glass.—
Ginger Crichton,
Midwest Living,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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As Michael moves into solo stardom and makes cunning business moves, the film captures how his seemingly naive idealism was also a form of ambition.—
Spencer Kornhaber,
The Atlantic,
24 Apr. 2026
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Past friends and former associates described him to me as an exceptionally cunning con man, a consummate charmer, and a womanizer.—
Nate Freeman,
Vanity Fair,
3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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For full daily and monthly horoscopes as well as expert readings, see our full Horoscopes experience.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
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Judge Liman did not immediately rule on whether the expert testimony on the topics would be permitted.—
Cheyenne Roundtree,
Rolling Stone,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The robot supports multiple end effectors, including two- and three-finger grippers and a five-finger dexterous hand.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
24 Apr. 2026
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Paul, who co-created the Apple TV+ series and drew from season one for the musical’s script and score, performs a dexterous trick, poking fun at the form’s many ridiculous tropes with an unmistakably affectionate hand.—
Naveen Kumar,
Variety,
21 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Deft.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deft. Accessed 4 May. 2026.
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