Synonyms of dexterous

dexterous

adjective

ˈdek-st(ə-)rəs 

variants also dextrous

1

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

• skilled
• skillful
• cunning
• deft
• proficient
• capable
• adept
• clever
• handy
• graceful
• agile
• nimble
• competent
• limber
• able
• lithe
• flexible
• spry
• expert
• masterful
• coordinated
• qualified
• masterly
• lissome
• lithesome
• sure-handed
• habile
• loose-jointed
• double-jointed

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• clumsy
• wooden
• unhandy
• handless
• ungainly
• uncomfortable
• awkward
• stiff
• uneasy
• heavy-handed
• ungraceful
• gawky
• klutzy
• stilted
• gauche
• graceless
• fumbling
• uncoordinated
• rough-hewn
• ham-fisted
• incompetent
• ham-handed
• butterfingered
• incapable
• inept
• inexpert
• bungling
• maladroit

2

as in virtuoso

accomplished with trained ability

dexterous handling of a potentially embarrassing situation

Synonyms & Similar Words

• virtuoso
• skillful
• delicate
• adroit
• artistic
• smooth
• masterful
• expert
• deft
• artful
• masterly
• workmanlike
• practiced
• bravura
• adept
• creative
• ingenious
• clever
• cunning
• capable
• competent
• facile
• neat
• adequate
• fancy
• able

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• amateur
• crude
• artless
• clumsy
• unprofessional
• amateurish
• rude
• awkward
• ineffective
• unskillful
• ineffectual
• incompetent
• klutzy
• inept

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

Recent Examples of dexterous

Instead of dexterous hands, Threehalves uses quick-connect tool interfaces that supply 12-volt, 18-volt, or 48-volt electrical power along with pressurized air directly to attached equipment. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 4 Aug. 2026

The reparations movement has been dexterous and incisive, and transnationalism has been key in the reparations movement. — Literary Hub, 27 July 2026

The forepaws of raccoon are extremely dexterous and sensitive, and occupy a large portion of their brain’s motor cortex, like that of people. — Kelly Lambert, The Conversation, 23 July 2026

Blessed with explosive speed, wonderful balance and dexterous footwork, Messi was close to unplayable. — Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 10 July 2026

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