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

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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 dexterity Flaus, for example, is a sonic flosser that’s good for people with dexterity issues. — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 25 June 2026 Combines smooth attack with sudden change of speed and direction, dexterity, and finishing craft in the lane. — Tom Ignudo, CBS News, 24 June 2026 Hall’s dexterity with finicky varietals is on full display with his entry level Chardonnay and Pinot Noir (both civilly priced at $40 and $45 respectively). — Katie Kelly Bell, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026 The flutist Denis Bouriakov and the bassoonist Whitney Crockett applied pinpoint dexterity to Paganini and Rossini, respectively. — Alex Ross, New Yorker, 15 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
  • Derived from a Central African shrub, the drug's ability to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings were uncovered by accident, when Howard Lotsof, a 19-year old addicted to heroin, tried ibogaine out of curiosity in 1962.
    — Gavin Escott, USA Today, 6 July 2026
  • The Warriors will likely ask Lendeborg to defend multiple positions during the regular season, and those block were an encouraging sign of his ability to do just that.
    — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 6 July 2026
Definition of ability
Noun
  • Junior bull riders generally graduate from riding horses, learning balance and agility, before testing their mettle on miniature bulls.
    — Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 5 July 2026
  • But there is a difference between identifying agility as important and possessing it.
    — Tracy Lawrence, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of agility
Noun
  • Born Joseph Frank Keaton, the actor was a star of vaudeville and early film, known for his prowess at physical comedy and stunt work.
    — Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026
  • SpaceX, his rocket company, has made genuine progress in aerospace, and their rocket-launching prowess has allowed Musk to create Starlink, the satellite company.
    — Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 3 July 2026
Definition of prowess
Noun
  • This systematic approach, including proactive diaspora talent identification and a uniform coaching philosophy across all age groups, has yielded consistent results, including a U20 World Cup win.
    — Chris Evans, Forbes.com, 9 July 2026
  • Influencers under Kyle Hjelmeseth’s talent management firm build their Instagram presence on lived experience.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
Definition of talent
Noun
  • Under their plan, students would need to demonstrate proficiency in interpreting data and navigating complex real-world documents as well as purely academic tasks like solving quadratic equations.
    — Tim Knowles, Fortune, 8 July 2026
  • For both pre-K-3 and pre-K-4 programs at public schools, families must meet qualifying criteria based on income, military status, English proficiency and more.
    — Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 July 2026
Definition of proficiency
Noun
  • 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
  • The event, now in its 27th year and held at the Kennedy Center, toasted Maher’s intellect, his broad range of interests, interviewing finesse and loyalty to his audience among other features.
    — Paul Harris, Variety, 29 June 2026
Definition of finesse
Noun
  • King contrasted the country’s technological expertise with its moral aptitude.
    — Dawn M. Turner, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • But his energy and aptitude on the boards looked to be in midseason form.
    — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 4 July 2026
Definition of aptitude
Noun
  • Modern professional life now demands public visibility, a significant shift from past eras where quiet competence was rewarded.
    — Alli Kushner, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
  • Your assumption of my competence, while gracious, would be terribly misguided.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 July 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 11 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of dexterity for Spanish Speakers

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