DEXTEROUSLY Synonyms: 51 Similar and Opposite Words

dexterously

adverb

Definition of dexterously

as in skillfully

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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 dexterously Officials posted abroad wishing to defect must dexterously evade state security officials stationed alongside them and come to peace with the fact that loved ones back home will surely be punished. — Jieun Baek, Foreign Affairs, 30 Oct. 2026 Yet Göring dominates the movie thanks to Russell Crowe’s performance, somehow both indulgently big and dexterously subtle. — Matt Zoller Seitz, Vulture, 11 Dec. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dexterously

Adverb

Douthat skillfully questioned Trump over a number of topics, interrupting at points and following up at others, and getting to some places of revelation that many other interviews have not (like the afterlife).

— Ted Johnson, Deadline, 8 Nov. 2026
Tia, on her end, handled the ambush skillfully, parrying jabs without raising her voice to prevent Wendy from having any opening to feign victimization.

— Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of skillfully

Adverb

The filling is silky and rich, deftly spiced with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves, and tastes unmistakably of pumpkin.

— Rick Martinez, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 Nov. 2026
And when an adult in the room was needed to drive discussions on race relations or other serious issues, Johnson handled that deftly, too.

— Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of deftly

Adverb

The overtones of social significance are adroitly handled and make real sense in an era of tragic international quarrels.

— THR Staff, HollywoodReporter, 28 Sep. 2026
Rams architects Les Snead and Sean McVay can still adroitly motivate a player without pressing too hard.

— Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026

Definition of adroitly

Adverb

Though the signature dumplings, chor muang—chicken and peanut filling encased in delicate butterfly pea flower dough—are the star, don’t overlook the noodle dishes, which are slurpable, expertly sauced, and so soft as to be almost buttery.

— Ali Domrongchai, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Nov. 2026
How to Style It This fall look from Holmes expertly shows how to style a silk midi skirt for daytime.

— Melony Forcier, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2026

Definition of expertly

Adverb

However, developing electrolytes that can transport fluoride ions efficiently at room temperature has remained a significant challenge.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026
Part of the research assignment was to figure out how to more efficiently extract carbon from deep seawater and add it to the shallow water near the coral to simulate rising ocean acidity.

— Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of efficiently

Adverb

The other two, Molly Dogwood and Taylor Mosco, were circulating ably with the beautiful and naturally extroverted people.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 Oct. 2026
Despite an occasional groan of narrative machinery, Vavrek ably repaces Saunders’s story line and carries its texty voices into song.

— Nathan Heller, New Yorker, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of ably

Adverb

Rosalía had no need for a flat shoe, and masterfully walked through the subway grates with her statement high heels while showing off her toned legs with a minimalist all-black minidress.

— Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2026
Videos shared by Nevada’s parents on Instagram show the precocious dynamo masterfully weaving between taller players and delivering powerful kicks driving the ball into the goal.

— Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of masterfully

Adverb

But their ability to competently run a city, connecting directly with local needs, often sets them up for national politics.

— Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2026
Nor does Moshe appear a natural action director, as the setpieces here are just competently staged rather than harrowing, and overall tension goes slack on occasion.

— Dennis Harvey, Variety, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of competently

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“Dexterously.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dexterously. Accessed 12 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of dexterously

adverb

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