dexterity

noun

dek-ˈster-ə-tē How to pronounce dexterity (audio)
Definition of dexteritynext
1
as in ability
mental skill or quickness the ambassador showed great dexterity in his handling of the touchy situation

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in agility
ease and grace in physical activity the juggler needed lots of dexterity in order to keep all five balls in the air at the same time

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 dexterity Sea Rangers offer a Swiss Army knife’s dexterity, pursuing government contracts across the European Union and United Kingdom to tackle the tedium of climate compliance and the drudgery of clearing those backlogs. — Richard Morgan, Time, 29 June 2026 Australian singer-songwriter Tash Sultana presented an emotional and powerful mid-afternoon set with soaring guitar solos and vocals, live looping and musical dexterity that left the audience stunned in the best way possible. — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 2026 According to Agility’s presentation on the merger Wednesday morning, Digit v5 could increase its total addressable market by improving its dexterity capabilities. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 25 June 2026 Flaus, for example, is a sonic flosser that’s good for people with dexterity issues. — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for dexterity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dexterity
  1. ability
  2. agility
  3. prowess
  4. talent
  5. proficiency
  6. finesse
  7. aptitude
  8. competence
Noun
  • That, however, does a disservice to the steel and desire shown by Spain, who are now both European and world champions, and also to the Argentine ability to lock in under pressure and produce when that gets turns up.
    — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 20 July 2026
  • La Roja had been the best team of the World Cup and had done so by remaining faithful to itself and its soccer through technique, ability and skill honed through years and years of doing the same thing better than anyone else.
    — Patrick Sung Cuadrado, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
Definition of ability
Noun
  • Developed in partnership with an international team of industry specialists, the 53-footer delivers the space and practicality of a modern multihull along with the speed and agility of an ocean racer.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 16 July 2026
  • Effective governance should boost agility by enforcing standard interfaces and modular design, making component swapping routine and safe.
    — Signe Jancis, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of agility
Noun
  • This upcoming match not only showcases their athletic prowess but also underscores their enduring dedication to UNICEF's mission.
    — Sarah Ferguson, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
  • Nothing sets aside lingering skepticism about an artist’s star power or prowess like a great performance on a major stage.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 17 July 2026
Definition of prowess
Noun
  • Diversity leaders, who have often been positioned around talent, will no longer be able to lean on the annual EEO1 report that many have relied on to understand the demographic data needed to excel in their position.
    — Doug Melville, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
  • As well as his dazzling talent, supporters loved the tireless work rate and enthusiasm of their No 7.
    — James Pearce, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Definition of talent
Noun
  • With models’ growing proficiency in biology comes their expanding potential for misuse, such as by assisting in the design or weaponization of enhanced viruses.
    — Doni Bloomfield, STAT, 21 July 2026
  • The district cited students’ declining math and English language arts proficiency and a drop-off in the number of graduates attending college — despite Oakland Unified Office of Charter Schools staff recommending renewal.
    — Molly Gibbs, Mercury News, 19 July 2026
Definition of proficiency
Noun
  • The athleticism, the finesse, the elation, the disappointment, the cheers.
    — Amrit Dhir, New York Daily News, 11 July 2026
  • Bartůňková and Krejčíková share finesse in the front of the court as well as deceptive power, with Bartůňková’s excellent spot-serving giving her a platform and Krejčíková’s ability to change rhythm at will trying to destabilize it.
    — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 2 July 2026
Definition of finesse
Noun
  • Valeri, who began playing at age 4 in his Buenos Aires suburb, said the futbol passion and aptitude run deep in a country where community pride infuses youth-club rivalries and street soccer prevails in many neighborhoods.
    — Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 July 2026
  • King contrasted the country’s technological expertise with its moral aptitude.
    — Dawn M. Turner, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Definition of aptitude
Noun
  • Vance supporters most frequently pointed to his qualifications, values, and experience, while Rubio supporters emphasized his experience and competence.
    — Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 22 July 2026
  • The Operating System is precisely what allows graduates to navigate technological disruption, changing careers, and unforeseen challenges with wisdom rather than simply technical competence.
    — David Rosowsky, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of competence

Browse Nearby Words

dewy-eyed
dexterity
dexterous
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dexterity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dexterity. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

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