DEFTLY Synonyms: 36 Similar and Opposite Words

deftly

adverb

Definition of deftly

as in masterfully

in a skillful or expert manner the company spokesperson deftly sidestepped the investigative reporter's questions

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of deftly But its ability to tolerate discomfort is its strength, particularly through its most original figure—Dahl’s friend and publisher Tom Maschler, deftly portrayed by Elliot Levey. — Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 9 July 2026 The Dodgers responded in the top of the 11th with a great defensive play from a pitcher of their own, as Edgardo Henriquez deftly snagged a comebacker and began an inning-ending 1-6-3 double play. — Kyle Glaser, Oc Register, 7 July 2026 But the real coup is Dippold's command of tone, deftly pivoting between nightmarish, surreal, wickedly funny, and soul-stirring modes, sometimes within single scenes. — Samantha Highfill, Entertainment Weekly, 6 July 2026 Even though Clinton’s remarks Saturday received muted response on cable news due to the heatwave and Trump’s excesses, online the former President deftly tapped into the shifts among Democrats for a more combative approach to curb MAGA. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 4 July 2026 But on the resulting corner kick, France gets the ball to Mbappé who deftly weaved between defenders for the first goal of the game. — Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 30 June 2026 Twenty years ago, Swift broke through as a rising Nashville star, before quickly, and deftly, pulling off the ultimate crossover pivot en route to becoming the biggest pop star on the planet. — Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 29 June 2026 Aouar turns, sliding the ball through to Mahrez, who deftly finished past goalkeeper Alexander Schlager. — Eduardo Tansley, New York Times, 28 June 2026 Holmes deftly paired the above red hue with a denim maxi skirt and white T-shirt, while Aniston took a sportier approach, styling the khaki green version with leggings and a tank top. — Annie Blackman, InStyle, 26 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deftly

Adverb

While traditional tailoring and minimalist silhouettes dominated the red carpet, prospects masterfully personalized their looks.

— Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
Son moved fast, especially up the left wing, and arced balls masterfully into the corners of the net.

— E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 24 June 2026

Definition of masterfully

Adverb

The best way to maximise corners then is variety and tweaking existing approaches, which several teams have done well at this World Cup.

— Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 14 July 2026
The Hawks downed the Celtics 102-90, putting up their most well-rounded offensive outing.

— Lauren Williams, AJC.com, 14 July 2026

Definition of well

Adverb

While the new episodes don’t offer quite the same depth of character or adrenaline rush as the original, the show remains a sharply observed, virtuosically acted, and artfully shot study of human behavior at its ugliest.

— Judy Berman, Time, 8 July 2026
The result is a bed that looks tidy and composed rather than slept-in—artfully arranged, and frankly, a little pleased with its own posture.

— Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 1 July 2026

Definition of artfully

Adverb

Getty Images Key Facts During Manhattanhenge, the sunset point is neatly positioned between skyscrapers in Manhattan, New York City.

— Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
Feelings from optimism to selfishness to lust are all neatly captured with song and dance.

— Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 6 July 2026

Definition of neatly

Adverb

Rams architects Les Snead and Sean McVay can still adroitly motivate a player without pressing too hard.

— Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026
Shrines, Puzzles, and a Sprawling World The Adventures of Elliot adroitly fuses sharp combat with intricate puzzle-solving, further cementing the Zelda feel.

— Gabriel Zamora, PC Magazine, 18 May 2026

Definition of adroitly

Adverb

Each one of our lucky clients will be expertly matched with a Skarsgård sibling, which are indeterminate in number.

— Sarah Hutto, New Yorker, 7 July 2026
Piercing the sterility of contemporary life with the disruptive transgression of eroticism, Silver’s film features dreamy fantasy sequences that interrupt and disrupt, drawing us expertly into its characters’ sensual and unusual interiority.

— Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 2 July 2026

Definition of expertly

Adverb

Meanwhile, a flashback, set vaguely in the Before Times, presents a girl playing with the ragdoll Jessie, a cowgirl and aspirant sheriff, voiced enthusiastically and most capably by Joan Cusack.

— Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 27 June 2026
Backed by tens of thousands of raucous fans in the Los Angeles area, Bosnia capably hung with Switzerland into the second half — until the hydration break led to a moment of brilliance from Manzambi, a 20-year-old Geneva native who plays for German club Freiburg.

— ABC News, ABC News, 18 June 2026

Definition of capably

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deft

deftly

deftness

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“Deftly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deftly. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of deftly

adverb

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