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
Shatner deftly presents Kirk's delicate handling of interstellar trader Cyrano Jones's multiplying annoyances with a gentle humor and relaxed resignation as to the absurdity of the situation aboard the Enterprise.
—
Jeff Spry, Space.com, 22 Mar. 2026
Stringing us along so deftly is part of Sams’s achievement.
—Literary Hub, 12 Mar. 2026
The two-time Oscar winner captures Garland in showstopper mode and, with spine curved and cigarette in hand, deftly communicates Garland's deteriorating state and the toll of her struggles with addiction.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 10 Mar. 2026
But to predicate the offense on him leading them in receptions for a fifth straight season, and ninth overall, would be overplaying the hand — a point deftly made by my colleague Sam McDowell a few times over the last year.
—Kansas City Star, 10 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
Jeff Spry, Space.com, 22 Mar. 2026
Stringing us along so deftly is part of Sams’s achievement.
—Literary Hub, 12 Mar. 2026
The two-time Oscar winner captures Garland in showstopper mode and, with spine curved and cigarette in hand, deftly communicates Garland's deteriorating state and the toll of her struggles with addiction.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 10 Mar. 2026
But to predicate the offense on him leading them in receptions for a fifth straight season, and ninth overall, would be overplaying the hand — a point deftly made by my colleague Sam McDowell a few times over the last year.
—Kansas City Star, 10 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deftly
Adverb
-
The show at the Kimbell is masterfully installed, both impressive and subtle in its narrative flow and visual rhythm and at moments quite moving.—
Sarah Kozlowski,
Dallas Morning News,
21 Mar. 2026
-
Jeffries then masterfully wrapped Copeland’s hair into what was meant to appear like an infinite knot.—
Tori Crowther,
Allure,
16 Mar. 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
-
Experts estimate that their new world tour could become the best-selling ever, challenging Taylor Swift’s $2 billion record, while Bloomberg predicted that today’s launch concert alone could generate as much as $177 million in economic activity for Seoul.—
Jeronimo Gonzalez,
semafor.com,
20 Mar. 2026
-
Ovalles Ubri, also from Allentown, has been arrested in connection with the shooting as well.—
Laura Fay,
CBS News,
20 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
Although the bowls are often artfully arranged, this version is casual, with steamed vegetables added atop the rice in a higgledy-piggledy array.—
Cathy Thomas,
Oc Register,
16 Mar. 2026
-
The interior spaces artfully play with old and new—Jacobean florals and damask textiles juxtapose nicely with custom wood furniture and bespoke BDDW ceramics (a favorite of Gwyneth Paltrow’s) in the form of lamps, room key fobs, and toilet paper holders, of all things.—
Wilder Davies,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
14 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
Pendant lighting by Devol hangs over the island, where Frama stools tuck in neatly.—
Leonora Epstein,
Architectural Digest,
19 Mar. 2026
-
Her fresh braids were laid and neatly tucked under her signature paisley bandana, adorned by gems that reflected the strobe lights.—
DeMicia Inman,
VIBE.com,
18 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
-
Each dish is expertly paired with a wine chosen by the knowledgeable and charming sommelier, Victor.—
Irenie Forshaw,
TheWeek,
19 Mar. 2026
-
Peptight Tightening Neck Serum Roller is expertly formulated with Lifting Dipeptides.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
19 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 26 Mar. 2026.
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