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
This role has traditionally been reserved for players with the greatest flair, possessing an ability to open up defences with their deftness of touch and eye for a pass.
—
Mark Carey, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
Mark Carey, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deftness
Noun
-
One day, Gemma will grow to weigh up to 35 pounds and have the agility, speed and power to take down a wild boar.—
Craig Shoup,
Nashville Tennessean,
3 Nov. 2025
-
The topic among Waddell and his staffers during the first two periods was Smith’s agility.—
Aaron Portzline,
New York Times,
3 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Meanwhile, Helm practises Helm’s skills.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 Nov. 2025
-
The challenge, as always in football, is for those players to showcase their skill within the context of a high tempo.—
Michael Cox,
New York Times,
2 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Deftness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deftness. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025.
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