as in masterfully
in a skillful or expert manner
the company spokesperson deftly sidestepped the investigative reporter's questions
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Recent Examples of deftly
Among a standout cast in Kenneth Lonergan's stirring family drama, Affleck deftly navigates a whole range of emotions as a contentious Boston handyman and black sheep of his New England hometown.
—
Brian Truitt, USA Today, 9 Mar. 2026
As your host, Lizzie Burder makes for very enjoyable company, deftly mixing child-like enthusiasm with just enough frantic dread to convince you that this whole operation could turn dangerous at any moment.
—Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 7 Mar. 2026
The latest addition to the genre, AMC’s The Audacity, captures all the absurdities, egos, and jargon of the tech scene as deftly as its predecessors.
—Alexei Oreskovic, Fortune, 6 Mar. 2026
That is certainly true of Harwood Park, an urban oasis that deftly incorporates and activates the historic architecture that surrounds it, forming an appealing place for public events and play.
—Mark Lamster
architecture Critic, Dallas Morning News, 5 Mar. 2026
Anže Kopitar and Adrian Kempe maneuvered the puck deftly low in the zone, moving the puck high to Artemi Panarin and allowing the defense to get involved.
—Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 3 Mar. 2026
Chef-owner Chris Barnum-Dann oversees it all while deftly working his own station.
—Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 27 Feb. 2026
Cameron deftly recalled some of the Sarandos’ more memorable remarks when talking about why the theatrical experience doesn’t matter to the Netflix exec.
—Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 26 Feb. 2026
The Indiana native has the vibe of a West Coast surfer, which is fitting since his teammates see him as someone who can deftly navigate the waves of a baseball season.
—Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 24 Feb. 2026
Brian Truitt, USA Today, 9 Mar. 2026
As your host, Lizzie Burder makes for very enjoyable company, deftly mixing child-like enthusiasm with just enough frantic dread to convince you that this whole operation could turn dangerous at any moment.
—Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 7 Mar. 2026
The latest addition to the genre, AMC’s The Audacity, captures all the absurdities, egos, and jargon of the tech scene as deftly as its predecessors.
—Alexei Oreskovic, Fortune, 6 Mar. 2026
That is certainly true of Harwood Park, an urban oasis that deftly incorporates and activates the historic architecture that surrounds it, forming an appealing place for public events and play.
—Mark Lamster
architecture Critic, Dallas Morning News, 5 Mar. 2026
Anže Kopitar and Adrian Kempe maneuvered the puck deftly low in the zone, moving the puck high to Artemi Panarin and allowing the defense to get involved.
—Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 3 Mar. 2026
Chef-owner Chris Barnum-Dann oversees it all while deftly working his own station.
—Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 27 Feb. 2026
Cameron deftly recalled some of the Sarandos’ more memorable remarks when talking about why the theatrical experience doesn’t matter to the Netflix exec.
—Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 26 Feb. 2026
The Indiana native has the vibe of a West Coast surfer, which is fitting since his teammates see him as someone who can deftly navigate the waves of a baseball season.
—Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 24 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deftly
Adverb
-
All of it proved how masterfully the chefs have managed to combine the flavors of distinct world cultures.—
Food Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Mar. 2026
-
As the more mercurial of the two, Culkin masterfully navigates an excellent character arc, taking an outspoken nuisance and giving him thoughtful nuance on a Holocaust tour.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
4 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
With the Ducks in desperation mode, Kreider skillfully redirected Jacob Trouba’s shot from the point for the 21st goal of his first season with Anaheim.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Mar. 2026
-
With the Ducks in desperation mode, Kreider skillfully redirected Jacob Trouba's shot from the point for the 21st goal of his first season with Anaheim.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
7 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
The ensemble is so well put together, however, that one’s interest never lags.—
Graham Hillard,
The Washington Examiner,
13 Mar. 2026
-
There is a growing perception that some schools are frequently tampering and that knowledge compels other schools to tamper as well to avoid being placed at a competitive disadvantage.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
12 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
Piled on or artfully peeled away.—
Samantha Conti,
Footwear News,
2 Mar. 2026
-
Each villa also offers Pacific Ocean views, a private infinity-edge pool (artfully positioned into the hillside while also attached to the home), a large terrace, and a kitchen stocked with KitchenAid appliances.—
Erika Owen,
Architectural Digest,
24 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
To these critics, the pitfalls of feminist politics—that jealously guarded privileges of race and class keep women from uniting in the interests of their gender—are neatly symbolized in Stanton’s story.—
Moira Donegan,
New Yorker,
13 Mar. 2026
-
At its end, Páez framed the debate neatly.—
Emiliano de Pablos,
Variety,
11 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
There’s something comical in the symmetry, in how adroitly this word seems to shuttle between joy and pain.—
Jan Steyn,
The Dial,
10 Mar. 2026
-
One Battle After Another is another example of a film that adroitly channels modern anxieties.—
Jake Pitre,
The Atlantic,
7 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
Here are details on the most mouth-watering drizzles of Asian sesame dressing, and the sad pours that are sure to wreck even the most expertly made food.—
Jolene Thym,
Mercury News,
3 Mar. 2026
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The difference between dancers executing steps expertly and accurately and dancers truly dancing depends on an alchemy of light, costumes, dancers, choreography, audience, and the whole spirit of the production.—
Jennifer Homans,
New Yorker,
2 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
The Broncos are high on rising third-year tackle Frank Crum, who filled in capably in spot snaps in 2025 when McGlinchey was temporarily banged up.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
7 Mar. 2026
-
The wacky characters and stretchy action of the franchise were capably brought to life in a candy-colored world, and it was renewed for a second season almost immediately.—
K. Thor Jensen,
PC Magazine,
6 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Deftly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deftly. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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