DEXTEROUS Synonyms: 83 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'dexterous' different from other adjectives like it?

The words adroit and deft are common synonyms of dexterous . While all three words mean "ready and skilled in physical movement," dexterous implies expertness with consequent facility and quickness in manipulation. // unrolled the sleeping bag with a dexterous toss

Q: In what contexts can 'adroit' take the place of 'dexterous'?

The words adroit and dexterous can be used in similar contexts, but adroit implies dexterity but usually also stresses resourcefulness or artfulness or inventiveness. // the magician's adroit response to the failure of her prop won applause

Q: Where would 'deft' be a reasonable alternative to 'dexterous'?

While in some cases nearly identical to dexterous , deft emphasizes lightness, neatness, and sureness of touch or handling. // a surgeon's deft manipulation of the scalpel

dexterous

adjective

ˈdek-st(ə-)rəs

variants also dextrous

Definition of dexterous

as in skilled

skillful with the hands the dexterous watchmaker was able to repair the antique watch's delicate gears and parts

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in virtuoso

accomplished with trained ability dexterous handling of a potentially embarrassing situation

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word dexterous different from other adjectives like it?

The words adroit and deft are common synonyms of dexterous. While all three words mean "ready and skilled in physical movement," dexterous implies expertness with consequent facility and quickness in manipulation.

unrolled the sleeping bag with a dexterous toss

In what contexts can adroit take the place of dexterous?

The words adroit and dexterous can be used in similar contexts, but adroit implies dexterity but usually also stresses resourcefulness or artfulness or inventiveness.

the magician's adroit response to the failure of her prop won applause

Where would deft be a reasonable alternative to dexterous?

While in some cases nearly identical to dexterous, deft emphasizes lightness, neatness, and sureness of touch or handling.

a surgeon's deft manipulation of the scalpel

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 dexterous Blessed with explosive speed, wonderful balance and dexterous footwork, Messi was close to unplayable. — Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 10 July 2026 But even opening on 1,500 screens, Harris’ brilliantly dexterous approach proved too much for the film’s marketers. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 2 July 2026 Marco Wang, an analyst focusing on Chinese robotics for technology research firm Interact Analysis, said the technical readiness of dexterous robotics hands, for example, are among the lowest in hardware components. — John Liu, CNN Money, 30 June 2026 About seven or eight million years ago, a branch of primates broke off and started developing superior brains, dexterous hands, and the capacity for language. — Stephen Witt, New Yorker, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for dexterous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dexterous

Adjective

The outlet reported that the character, who is a preteen in season 4 of Ted Lasso, has grown into a skilled soccer player — something Feely alluded to in an October 2025 interview with the Birmingham Parent.

— Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 2026
Data center investment offers an opportunity to expand the tax base, create high-wage skilled trades and technology jobs, and support broader infrastructure modernization.

— Ron Kitchens, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of skilled

Adjective

The visual essay below features virtuoso examples of the techniques that designers have used to replicate the ideals of classical dress over the years, including draping, pleating, twisting, and wrapping.

— Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 16 July 2026
Thanks to more than 200 years of intense and virtuoso scientific work, what were once valid or at least plausible concerns and objections to vaccines have been overcome.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 June 2026

Definition of virtuoso

Adjective

What is not explicit on screen or in the financial results is the intense amount of skillful work, preparation, promotion, production, marketing, and ad sales that goes on behind the scenes.

— Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 6 Aug. 2026
The Norwegian soccer superstar, 26, took social media by storm throughout the 2026 FIFA World Cup, between his skillful talent on the pitch and his team’s celebratory Viking row.

— Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 30 July 2026

Definition of skillful

Adjective

There's a balance between delicate satin, feminine lace and midweight cashmere, thoughtfully combined for interest.

— ABC News, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026
Bitingly funny in its comedy and wistful in its drama, the film rests on the delicate performance of newcomer Verma, a diminutive, age-appropriate actor who molds Ilyas in captivating ways.

— Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of delicate

Adjective

Prince John is the cunning younger son of King Henry II whose ambition and shifting loyalties intensify the kingdom’s growing power struggle.

— Denise Petski, Deadline, 29 July 2026
Booboo Stewart’s Jay was brought up to be a cunning thief, just like his father Jafar.

— Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 25 July 2026

Definition of cunning

Adjective

Building cars is one thing, but building that kind of instantaneously recognizable brand requires a deft hand.

— Michael Teo Van Runkle, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
The ball landed in the middle of the six-yard box, on the head of fellow young defender Ian Togo, but the American’s deft header went wide.

— George Edwards, New York Times, 24 July 2026

Definition of deft

Adjective

That doesn’t mean I can’t be influenced by the new artistic direction fashion is taking, though.

— Bianca Kratky, Glamour, 6 Aug. 2026
The New York Times has asked whether the Metropolitan Museum of Art is making a mistake by honoring John Galliano with a major retrospective, reigniting debate over the relationship between artistic achievement and personal conduct.

— George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of artistic

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dexterous

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“Dexterous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dexterous. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of dexterous

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