variants also dextrous

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 Then there was her dexterous ability at playing two pianos at once. Gail Mitchell, Billboard, 20 Feb. 2025 Moving safely from the clouds to this perch required a steep angle, a dexterous pilot, and passengers more afraid of missing the film festival than of death upon impact. Daniel D'addario, Variety, 17 Feb. 2025 The rest of Lamar’s halftime performance showed off the dexterous rhymes for which he’s been known since the early 2010s. Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2025 Like any dexterous toddler, Lindsay would have moved her hands around while riding her mother’s back — but Beryl is missing an eye. Brandon Keim, New York Times, 21 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dexterous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dexterous
Adjective
  • Being a tourist is handy both as a plot device and as a metaphor for fiction, no?
    Deborah Treisman, New Yorker, 18 May 2025
  • The duo’s versatility will come in super handy while entertaining.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 May 2025
Adjective
  • Newton’s jewels are alive with her mastery of design, composition, skillful use of materials, and an instinct for creating irresistible objects.
    Kyle Roderick, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
  • The show’s real draw is its cast, which expands to include Matthew Rhys as a troubled detective, and a skillful adaptation that highlights the glossiest, cleverest elements of classic Christie—and adds a pinch of eros.
    Judy Berman, Time, 30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The area’s labor pool can satisfy practically any employer’s requirements, from upper management, technical and office workers to skilled employees for the production line.
    Rohit Arora, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025
  • While patients and providers say teletherapy is effective and easier to get than in-person services, experts in the field noted that teletherapy often requires a skilled mental health practitioner trained to pick up subtle communication cues.
    Phillip Reese, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • The look was designed by Tolu Coker, a British-Nigerian designer celebrated for masterful tailoring that fuses masculine aesthetics with feminine silhouettes, brought to life through loud, vivid patterns.
    Essence, Essence, 9 May 2025
  • Draymond Green scored early and orchestrated the Warriors’ masterful defense, coach Steve Kerr adapted on the fly and Jimmy Butler led the offense down the stretch.
    Pueng Vongs, Mercury News, 8 May 2025
Adjective
  • For apartment dwellers and people who prefer not to dangle midair, this clever contraption looks like a window-cleaning game changer.
    The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 May 2025
  • The story centers on 16-year-old Haymitch (Joseph Zada), a clever and resourceful boy from District 12, who’s unexpectedly chosen for this edition of the games, which will feature a deadly twist: twice the number of tributes, with 48 children sent into the arena to battle for their lives.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • The long-running film franchise first started with 1993's Sniper starring Tom Berenger as expert American gunner Thomas Beckett.
    Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 10 May 2025
  • Subscribe to the Life Kit newsletter for expert advice on love, money, relationships and more.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 8 May 2025
Adjective
  • In real life, most would-be Proud Boys don’t have cunning, progressive housemates who will throw away their gun parts.
    Amy Weiss-Meyer, The Atlantic, 8 May 2025
  • Premiering in January 2023, The Traitors has gone on to widespread acclaim, even winning Emmys for Outstanding Reality Competition Program and Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality Competition Program (Alan Cumming on cunning form).
    Griff Griffin, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025
Adjective
  • This transformation requires a delicate balancing act.
    Miles Ward, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
  • Wirtz is focused more on the micro, with delicate touches and deft flicks, compared to Szoboszlai’s macro traits of energy and power.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 16 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dexterous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dexterous. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

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