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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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Elegant materials, bespoke furnishings, skillful layering of textures, and eye-catching lighting are all hallmarks of Hogarty’s soulful spaces, and the firm seeks to create an emotional response with its polished yet comfortable aesthetic.—
Elizabeth Stamp,
Architectural Digest,
15 Apr. 2025
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Hiring managers must learn to distinguish between misuse and skillful application to capture a candidate’s ability to tackle real-world challenges.—
Bing Yu Yap,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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He has been credited as a skilled recruiter and defensive coordinator who contributed to the school reaching the NCAA Tournament in each of those seasons.—
Edward Lee,
Baltimore Sun,
28 Apr. 2025
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Guests can savor artisanal cocktails crafted by skilled mixologists while enjoying live entertainment on select evenings, creating an unforgettable dining experience under the stars.—
Michaela Trimble,
Vogue,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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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
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Soft and delicate fragrances of spring flowers and mandarins.—
Tom Mullen,
Forbes.com,
21 Apr. 2025
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Hoffman recalls of including the delicate destination nods.—
David Foxley,
Architectural Digest,
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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Art Weston, a Kentucky resident, went to Lake Livingston, Texas, to catch an alligator gar with the help of an expert guide and fisherman, Captain Kirk Kirkland.—
Ashley J. DiMella Fox News,
FOXNews.com,
15 Apr. 2025
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Additionally, nonprofits, my primary market, remained underserved in technology, ensuring a continuous need for expert guidance.—
Will Freeman,
Forbes.com,
15 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 1 May. 2025.
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