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 dextrous
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
An explosive musician, deft guitar player, innately recognizes the genius in other people and puts it into play without being manipulative.
—
Gary Graff, Billboard, 10 Apr. 2025
Politics naturally plays a part and requires a deft approach and a certain diplomacy from a manager.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
His deft timing provides most laughs in the film, along with Garg’s keen awareness of how to hit a punchline (and later on, elicit tears).
—Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 31 Mar. 2025
The new athletic director will have to be a deft referee as Willard’s successor competes with football coach Mike Locksley and women’s basketball coach Brenda Frese for money to compensate players.
—Childs Walker, Baltimore Sun, 30 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deft
Gary Graff, Billboard, 10 Apr. 2025
Politics naturally plays a part and requires a deft approach and a certain diplomacy from a manager.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
His deft timing provides most laughs in the film, along with Garg’s keen awareness of how to hit a punchline (and later on, elicit tears).
—Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 31 Mar. 2025
The new athletic director will have to be a deft referee as Willard’s successor competes with football coach Mike Locksley and women’s basketball coach Brenda Frese for money to compensate players.
—Childs Walker, Baltimore Sun, 30 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deft
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deft
Adjective
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The show’s real draw is its cast, which expands to include Matthew Rhys as a troubled detective, and a skillful adaptation that highlights the glossiest, cleverest elements of classic Christie—and adds a pinch of eros.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
30 Apr. 2025
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Then the animators could take over and finish the rest with their skillful photorealism.—
Bill Desowitz,
IndieWire,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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As usual, Ellie attempts to mask her feelings with sarcasm, but this doesn’t really work with Gail (who’s skilled at doing the same).—
Keith Phipps,
Vulture,
28 Apr. 2025
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However skilled labor shortages are a drawback for those setting up business.—
Paul Williams,
Forbes.com,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Thanks for all the laughs, the Kiki, the listening hear, shoulder the cry, the reading for filth, the masterful shade and endless love.—
Marc Berman,
Forbes.com,
27 Apr. 2025
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Tony Gilroy’s masterful series is so good that the sci-fi Star Wars of it all sometimes seems irrelevant compared to the nuanced takes on resistance and fascism.—
James Grebey,
Vulture,
23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Esme forgoes a generic entreaty at the feet of her girlboss and instead makes a cunning personal plea for better judgment from her mentor.—
Angelica Jade Bastién,
Vulture,
25 Apr. 2025
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John Krasinski plays Luke, a cunning art thief in the action adventure thriller Fountain of Youth, and puts his skills to good use.—
Etan Vlessing,
HollywoodReporter,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Hoffman recalls of including the delicate destination nods.—
David Foxley,
Architectural Digest,
21 Apr. 2025
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Soft and delicate fragrances of spring flowers and mandarins.—
Tom Mullen,
Forbes.com,
21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The integration came as the company recently unveiled Sanctuary AI’s cutting-edge tactile sensors and demonstrated progress in creating dexterous intelligence for autonomous labor.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
26 Feb. 2025
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Then there was her dexterous ability at playing two pianos at once.—
Gail Mitchell,
Billboard,
20 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation.—
Toh Gouttenoire,
New York Times,
29 Apr. 2025
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This begins with behavior change and includes lifestyle interventions and skill-building programs along with expert support for long-term success.—
Scott Paddock,
Forbes.com,
29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The clever exploration of contrasts — marrying delicate fabrics, soft palettes, and masculine silhouettes — was the label’s unique formula for winning over fashion’s insiders, including powerhouse Moda Operandi.—
Angela Lei,
Forbes.com,
23 Apr. 2025
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The film follows 11-year-old Caroline (Johnson), a clever, sharp-eyed girl navigating a life of excitement and peril as a shoplifter with her mom Jocelyn (Williams).—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
22 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Deft.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deft. Accessed 5 May. 2025.
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