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 What’s Happening Grip strength and hand dexterity typically begin to slip in the sixth decade of life. — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2026 Humanlike robotic dexterity The Mimic Hand M1 is a dexterous robotic hand engineered to match the versatility, strength, and precision of the human hand for industrial automation. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 20 July 2026 The author of the series bears the same curiosity, quick wit, and linguistic dexterity as the younger man who wrote Zone One and 2006’s messy farce, Apex Hides the Hurt. — Boris Kachka, The Atlantic, 17 July 2026 This can improve your dexterity and coordination, as well as the strength and flexibility in your toes and feet. — Jennifer Klump, Verywell Health, 17 July 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
  • Hegseth's rhetoric has also fueled concerns about the Pentagon's ability to recruit and retain an increasingly diverse force.
    — Steven Beynon, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Besides losing the ability to maneuver on its own, the almost 10,000-ton warship saw its galley services, toilets, air conditioning and potable water impacted, Comer said.
    — Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of ability
Noun
  • The chassis and suspension are heavily revised for enhanced agility and precision, complemented by carbon-ceramic brakes.
    — Matthew MacConnell, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Kittle, seven weeks since tearing his right Achilles in a wild-card playoff win at Philadelphia, was seen conditioning with vigor and impressive agility on a side field earlier this week.
    — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of agility
Noun
  • Even Fierezza’s name is significant, as it was chosen to represent Lamborghini’s engineering prowess, design philosophy, and Italian identity.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Importantly, past engine recalls do not affect this 2026 hybrid model, solidifying its position as a winner for its blend of power, off-road prowess, and everyday utility.
    — Josh Max, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of prowess
Noun
  • The backstory Once upon a time, there was a Spanish family blessed with a talent for finding historic buildings and transforming them into hotels that anyone who admires beauty and nature would want to visit.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The Crusaders graduated a lot of talent from last year’s squad, but should get healthy against the Seahawks.
    — Gary Curreri, Sun Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of talent
Noun
  • Language arts proficiency rates dropped for half of the grades that took Colorado’s latest statewide achievement tests, while rates in mathematics held steady or increased, according to 2026 results released Wednesday.
    — Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 19 Aug. 2026
  • How Candidates Are Using AI to Cheat Generative AI tools allow candidates to rewrite resumes to match job descriptions, exaggerate experience, and present skills convincingly regardless of actual proficiency.
    — Kara Dennison, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of proficiency
Noun
  • Instead, in their wake, the league veered far in the other direction, taking the finesse out of the game and turning on-court play into a street fight, with officials unable or unwilling to get their arms round the physicality.
    — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Coach Jeff Hafley has earned points for favoring the physicality of 11-on-11 drills over the finesse of 7 on 7s.
    — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of finesse
Noun
  • However, the Jets feel that Klubnik has good mental processing and the aptitude for explosive plays downfield.
    — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Many of its rites can be performed by anyone, but there have often been individuals with a special aptitude for and knowledge of these practices.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of aptitude
Noun
  • Government agencies should be expected to demonstrate the same commitment to competence, transparency, and adherence to the law.
    — Sreedhar Potarazu, Baltimore Sun, 19 Aug. 2026
  • And because cognition is so closely tied to a person’s sense of competence and identity, those changes can be surprisingly frightening.
    — Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of competence

Browse Nearby Words

dewy-eyed
dexterity
dexterous
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Cite this Entry

“Dexterity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dexterity. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of dexterity for Spanish Speakers

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