deftly

adverb

Definition of deftlynext
as in masterfully
in a skillful or expert manner the company spokesperson deftly sidestepped the investigative reporter's questions

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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 John Steinbeck wrote Cathy Ames, the antagonist of his novel East of Eden, as the embodiment of original sin, and in Zoe Kazan’s Netflix adaptation, Florence Pugh deftly channels the character’s ambition and cynicism. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026 His predecessor, Tim Cook, gained stature on the world stage as a power broker deftly navigating global politics, markets, and supply chains. — Andrew R. Chow, Time, 15 Oct. 2026 Just about all of their artistry is exerted on the script, which deftly intercuts between the time frames, advancing their plots in episodes that, though tersely dramatic, are superficial in their efficiency. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 15 Oct. 2026 The director, Sanchez, deftly leads the effort with invisible but subtly effective staging, ensuring that the family banter propels the flow. — Bill Hirschman, Sun Sentinel, 13 Oct. 2026 The first half focuses on the early entrepreneurial years, deftly incorporating archival footage with the usual talking heads. — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 11 Oct. 2026 Matching my best safari sightings over the years, the sight of a mother helping her calf deftly navigate the mighty Zambezi and clamber up the muddy banks moves me to tears. — Charukesi Ramadurai, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2026 The British Film Institute chair has continued to deftly straddle two enormous jobs in European film and TV. — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026 A couple of those are easily forecast, but the crucial one is fiendishly spring-loaded, deftly shifting the stakes of the whole enterprise, and testing Mark’s integrity both as a man and as a politician. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deftly
  1. masterfully
  2. skillfully
  3. well
  4. artfully
  5. neatly
  6. adroitly
  7. expertly
  8. capably
Adverb
  • The narrative winds in and out of time, masterfully jumping between past and future with no consideration to chronology.
    — Sky Davis, Christian Science Monitor, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Ahluwalia x Puma Blending the designer’s Indian-Nigerian culture with Puma’s legendary sportswear designs, this partnership masterfully resulted in a colorful, chic athleisure capsule.
    — Virginia Corneli, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of masterfully
Adverb
  • Telhou uses primal shouts to keep the herd together, while Saâdia uses a slingshot contraption to skillfully throw stones at straying goats.
    — Jen Murphy, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Oct. 2026
  • When daily life can feel quite bruising and fractious, documentaries skillfully encourage us to let our guard down and connect with real-life stories and people… sometimes challenging, often invigorating, and always meaningful.
    — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of skillfully
Adverb
  • The Horned Frogs also have one of the country’s best tight ends in Kari Ashley, who has been a breakout star.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Oct. 2026
  • The cosmonauts plonked down on November 19th, 1965 in the Midlands market town of Rugby, a cultural backwater best known for the sport, the school, and wartime poet Rupert Brooke, in that order.
    — Gabriel Szatan, Pitchfork, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of well
Adverb
  • His bed, once artfully tussled, is a feat of military-tight corners.
    — Sam Cochran, Architectural Digest, 16 Oct. 2026
  • While posing artfully in the store’s shop window, Klara catches the eye of Josie (Mia Tharia), who persuades her mother Chrissie (Amy Adams) to buy her as a companion.
    — Damon Wise, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of artfully
Adverb
  • This work is considered the first of its kind to neatly package elements of vampirism into a single piece of fiction.
    — Maria Papadouris, JSTOR Daily, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Building a data center that fits neatly into an existing grid provides little opportunity for a utility to make new money.
    — Jeffrey Kopp,MacKenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of neatly
Adverb
  • The overtones of social significance are adroitly handled and make real sense in an era of tragic international quarrels.
    — THR Staff, HollywoodReporter, 28 Sep. 2026
  • 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
Definition of adroitly
Adverb
  • Lace was expertly placed with thoughtful trims and underlays to create detailed masterpieces.
    — Shelby Wax, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Hadid wore the Vivaia Carol Jogger Sneakerinas on a chopper ride, expertly styling them with a beige barn jacket, little black dress, and suede shoulder bag.
    — Annie Blackman, InStyle, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of expertly
Adverb
  • The rest of the filmmaking, too, is content to coast at a lower difficulty setting, from the proficient but anonymously taupe lensing by master DP Robert Elswit to an untested ensemble of ever-watchable actors playing capably to type.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026
  • And there was also a favorable response on Saturday to Amazon/MGM’s Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother, an action-thriller led capably by Mahershala Ali.
    — Scott Feinberg, HollywoodReporter, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of capably

Browse Nearby Words

deft
deftly
deftness
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Cite this Entry

“Deftly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deftly. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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