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 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
  • 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
  • Contreras also began reshaping his workouts to focus less on heavy lifting and more on agility, power and explosion along with rotational movements.
    — Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 9 July 2026
Definition of agility
Noun
  • Belgium’s ball control, speed, offensive and defensive prowess was all there from the get-go and our outclassed team could do virtually nothing about it.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026
  • This cultural immersion and specific skill development, rather than general athletic prowess, are crucial for global success.
    — Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of prowess
Noun
  • Adidas reportedly spent $67 million on its hero film, Backyard Legends, while Nike also splashed heavily on talent — Kim Kardashian, Kylian Mbappé, Central Cee, and LeBron James, among others — for its competing short, Rip the Script.
    — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 16 July 2026
  • The coaching staff thought the talent the team inherited, with the addition of a few bargain signings, was better than the numbers showed.
    — Danielle Allentuck, Washington Post, 16 July 2026
Definition of talent
Noun
  • The proficiency gap and the perception gap turn out to be the same gap.
    — Mark Murphy, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
  • 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
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
  • Individuals disclose details incrementally, carefully assessing how others will react, as such revelations can significantly alter perceptions of their competence and professionalism.
    — Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
  • Written on the steps are BCNY’s four core values — competence, connection, confidence, character.
    — Annalisa Merelli, STAT, 10 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 16 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of dexterity for Spanish Speakers

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