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 The system, currently a proof-of-concept, is designed for dexterity-intensive tasks across various industries and can be deployed on existing hardware within weeks. — John Koetsier, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 As the attractive secretary, she is forced to fend off not only Hart’s advances (with the cheery but firm dexterity of a woman with no alternative and many years of practice) but also the chilly scorn of her female colleagues. — Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026 Strength/ Motor Training Strength training can help people who have lost hand strength or dexterity due to a brain injury. — Connie Etermadi, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026 Robots even participated in six events challenging hand dexterity, including picking up beans and driving screws. — Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 25 Aug. 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
  • So far, Siemens has managed to persuade companies to share their data in return for access to its AI model and the ability to request new use cases.
    — Sam Forsdick, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2026
  • If future laws change to allow recognition of AI agents and/or their human creators as discoverers (with or without human collaborators), how might this affect accountability, ownership, and the ability to profit from discoveries?
    — Jeffrey S. Flier, STAT, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of ability
Noun
  • Whether this works will depend on its agility and willingness of brands to adapt to a market that’s completely changed in the past decade.
    — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The failure was bad news for scientists who rely on data from Swift, which has unique capabilities combining sensitivity to gamma rays, X-rays, and visible light with the agility to quickly turn toward astronomical targets.
    — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of agility
Noun
  • The vocal and acting prowess of the cast stands out, in a large-scale production that matches the level of major international musicals.
    — Franchesca Guim, Billboard, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Malik Willis’ rushing prowess really showed against the Kansas City Chiefs.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of prowess
Noun
  • Her session will examine the commercial and strategic considerations involved in taking creative and technology-led projects from development to market, alongside the evolving relationship between talent, technology and business.
    — Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 29 Sep. 2026
  • And talent with a liberal arts education—reading- and writing-heavy disciplines spanning humanities, natural sciences, sociology, and the arts—will have the most well-rounded skill set to thrive.
    — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of talent
Noun
  • Nearly half of long-term English learners had already demonstrated proficiency in English but had not been reclassified, according to research cited by the Assembly Education Committee.
    — Emily Woodruff, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2026
  • The California State University system currently requires undergraduate applicants whose schooling was in a language other than English to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language to prove their proficiency in the language.
    — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of proficiency
Noun
  • But other horse disciplines depend more on finesse and control.
    — Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Technically speaking, Amber turns in a pretty stellar week-one cha-cha, and the notes from the judges are mostly about finesse and refinement.
    — Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of finesse
Noun
  • Naturally, his work at Celine has now been put in conversation with hers, especially because both designers share an aptitude for creating clothes real people want to wear–and, therefore, many of the same fans.
    — Joan Kennedy, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026
  • But their aptitude and affection for the sport would be passed down through two different families in two different states, from one generation to the next, before reaching Luke and his brothers.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of aptitude
Noun
  • In a room full of fascists and fools, Ahmed’s projection of competence—and of the spluttering exasperation that is the lot of the competent—proves a genuine balm.
    — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2026
  • And indeed Verity — directed with straightforward competence and a faint wry smirk by Michael Showalter and adapted by screenwriter Nick Antosca (Apple TV’s Cape Fear series) — is a mild lark for its first hour.
    — Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 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 5 Oct. 2026.

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