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 next

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 Kelly Clarkson Clarkson is the most dexterous singer working today. —

Joey Guerra, Houston Chronicle, 23 Mar. 2026 While the gloves are thin and dexterous enough for reeling, setting tip-ups, and (crucially) cracking open a beer, tasks like tying knots, unhooking fish, and snapping photos will still require bare fingers. —

Harry Spampinato, Outside, 6 Feb. 2026 After a vocal break, the jam ends with Bonamassa playing his own lyrical solo, summarizing everything that came before it with deft, dexterous blues playing. —

Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 16 Jan. 2026 In addition to their impressive brains, raccoons’ dexterous hands play a key role in their cognitively creative escapades. —

Kelly Lambert, Fortune, 16 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dexterous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dexterous

Adjective

Meanwhile, there’s an acute shortage of skilled tradesmen around the country.

— Emma Green, New Yorker, 17 Apr. 2026
Carmago, who has a degree in ethnomusicology, is a skilled jazz player who is also adept on the four-string cavaquinho.

— George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026