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
And the state has failed to implement those regulations in a way that allows insurers to deftly adjust their underwriting and pricing to reflect risk from a changing climate.
—
Steven Greenhut, Oc Register, 12 Apr. 2026
On more than one occasion during team period and in seven-on-seven, Shaw deftly mirrored the shifty Craver.
—Tony Catalina, Austin American Statesman, 9 Apr. 2026
The result is a satire that can land a punchline as deftly as a gut punch.
—Sarah Rodman, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Apr. 2026
Robert Romanus, as Damone, would scalp Ozzy Osbourne tickets to his grandmother, and yet deftly treads the tightrope between cockiness and desperation.
—Gina Friedlande, HollywoodReporter, 7 Apr. 2026
Over the last 25 years, Nolan has delivered film after film that deftly balances mainstream appeal with eye-popping visuals, inventive narrative structures and special effects, and existential and/or philosophical themes.
—ArsTechnica, 6 Apr. 2026
The skit started out drilling down on the NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament’s Final Four before deftly segueing to the April 2 firing of Pam Bondi.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 4 Apr. 2026
Young deftly tugs readers into an atmospheric novel perfect for spring book clubs.
—Literary Hub, 3 Apr. 2026
With deftly nuanced performances and atmospheric cinematography, this riveting drama unfolds as a story of innocence lost when young Maria’s sister goes missing without a trace.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 1 Apr. 2026
Steven Greenhut, Oc Register, 12 Apr. 2026
On more than one occasion during team period and in seven-on-seven, Shaw deftly mirrored the shifty Craver.
—Tony Catalina, Austin American Statesman, 9 Apr. 2026
The result is a satire that can land a punchline as deftly as a gut punch.
—Sarah Rodman, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Apr. 2026
Robert Romanus, as Damone, would scalp Ozzy Osbourne tickets to his grandmother, and yet deftly treads the tightrope between cockiness and desperation.
—Gina Friedlande, HollywoodReporter, 7 Apr. 2026
Over the last 25 years, Nolan has delivered film after film that deftly balances mainstream appeal with eye-popping visuals, inventive narrative structures and special effects, and existential and/or philosophical themes.
—ArsTechnica, 6 Apr. 2026
The skit started out drilling down on the NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament’s Final Four before deftly segueing to the April 2 firing of Pam Bondi.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 4 Apr. 2026
Young deftly tugs readers into an atmospheric novel perfect for spring book clubs.
—Literary Hub, 3 Apr. 2026
With deftly nuanced performances and atmospheric cinematography, this riveting drama unfolds as a story of innocence lost when young Maria’s sister goes missing without a trace.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 1 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deftly
Adverb
-
This contemporary-style home masterfully bridges the indoor and outdoor living experiences.—
Patricia Shannon,
Better Homes & Gardens,
12 Apr. 2026
-
The Nosferatu actor has been masterfully dodging questions about the franchise since.—
Stephanie Sengwe,
PEOPLE,
10 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
Gorton skillfully depicts the grueling decades-long struggle of Sanger (the icon, in this telling) and Dennett (the idealist) to make birth control available and legal, as well as their interpersonal competition for power and influence.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
20 Mar. 2026
-
Adriana Lambarri’s costumes skillfully replicate the actor’s garb in the film while composer/sound designer Jazer Sibley-Schwartz channels at the outset a knowing nod to John Williams’ indelible, two-note cadence of menacing notes announcing the shark’s arrival.—
Christopher Smith,
Oc Register,
10 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
And the Knicks better be ready, ready for the Celtics to attempt to exact some revenge for the way things ended a season ago.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
10 Apr. 2026
-
This will better set you up to have a productive conversation with your stepdaughter about what everyone expects going forward.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Chicago Tribune,
10 Apr. 2026
Adverb
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Customers can also get a closer look at the espresso bar as baristas artfully whip up everything from a caramel macchiato to a cocoa cappuccino, with unobstructed views and new lighting above the pickup area.—
Robert Channick,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Apr. 2026
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The town’s specialty is a cream cake called kremna rezina, with layers of cream and vanilla custard artfully sandwiched between sheets of delicate, crispy crust.—
Tribune Content Agency,
Baltimore Sun,
8 Apr. 2026
Adverb
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None of those things fit neatly into a 30-second video clip.—
Rep. Nick Menapace,
Hartford Courant,
8 Apr. 2026
-
This rhetoric neatly aligns with choice feminism, but the conversation feels similarly labyrinthine.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
Jenny Connell Davis’ adroitly constructed one-act play weaves together significant challenges for four women across seven decades.—
Christopher Smith,
Oc Register,
7 Apr. 2026
-
Leo’s visit, in December, to Lebanon, which is home to one of the world’s oldest Christian communities, dating back to the time of the apostles Peter and Paul, now looks adroitly timed.—
Paul Elie,
New Yorker,
4 Apr. 2026
Adverb
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As my colleague Zach Harper expertly pointed out Wednesday, the rule itself — mandating that any player eligible for a postseason award must play 65 games in a season — looks pretty dumb right now.—
Chris Branch,
New York Times,
10 Apr. 2026
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With breezy maxi skirts, flattering barrel jeans, buttery soft cashmere cardigans, and classic boxy tees, the selection feels expertly curated for easy dressing.—
Tanya Sharma,
PEOPLE,
9 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
Apple's iMac is the pre-eminent all-in-one on the market, a stylish and slick computer that's designed for creative work but capably handles entertainment and productivity as well.—
K. Thor Jensen,
PC Magazine,
1 Apr. 2026
-
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
Cite this Entry
“Deftly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deftly. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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