1
as in agility
ease and grace in physical activity
the effortless deftness with which he plays the piano
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in skill
subtle or imaginative ability in inventing, devising, or executing something
with deftness and aplomb she managed to keep the bickering relatives apart for the duration of the reception
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Recent Examples of deftness
Harbaugh balances building confidence and holding players accountable with the deftness of a violin virtuoso.
—
Daniel Popper, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2026
Daniel Popper, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deftness
Noun
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Also planned are an 8- to-10-foot-wide synthetic turf strip, hose bibs, drinking fountains, boulders and log agility features.—
Elizabeth Marie Himchak,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
17 Feb. 2026
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Experts highlight that the action showcases its advanced balance, coordination, and dynamic motion capabilities, pushing humanoid robotics closer to real-world agility and dynamic combat-style movement.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Many attribute his sticking power to his skills as a political operator, which, alongside his inspirational speeches, have earned him comparisons with Winston Churchill.—
Ivana Kottasová,
CNN Money,
20 Feb. 2026
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Byer, who’s received an Emmy nomination for her hosting skills and is an alumna of the Upright Citizens Brigade, will tape a special this weekend at the Den Theatre.—
Jennifer Day,
Chicago Tribune,
19 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Deftness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deftness. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
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