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 Wednesday whisked the dexterous appendage and his digits to her Uncle Fester, who wass sleeping in Eugene’s bee shed, to revive him with his electric shock ability. Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 4 Aug. 2025 By creating a fuller picture which centers Medusa in her own story, Hynes creates a more dexterous Medusa, one imbued with more agency and less tragedy. Irenosen Okojie july 11, Literary Hub, 11 July 2025 Making a hand that is as dexterous as a human one is one of the biggest challenges in robotics. Bloomberg, Oc Register, 13 June 2025 Kristin Chenoweth and Aaron Tveit both gave pitch-perfect on-the-spot deliveries as Erivo held out her microphone to them, but the most memorable was definitely Lambert, who blew the crowd away with spontaneous, dexterous riffs. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 9 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for dexterous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dexterous
Adjective
  • The Barca and Madrid hierarchies have battled together for common causes like the European Super League, which Perez has been pushing for decades, and which Laporta saw as a possible handy solution for Barca’s financial difficulties.
    Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Reduce Food Waste Another handy way to keep your produce fresh for as long as possible is to line your refrigerator's crisper drawer with paper towels.
    Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Regardless, what’s left is an undeniably skillful and often thrilling performance, wrapped in a clever script.
    Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 21 Oct. 2025
  • The ability to win puck battles in dirty areas and make skillful plays in tight spaces is still there.
    Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • After inadvertently amassing a network of specialized experts, the startup has pivoted to hiring highly skilled professionals to train AI models.
    Jaures Yip, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Greenlight Alberta, which its creators say is the first of its kind in Canada, will see local professionals trained in key production roles, as an answer to the growing demand for skilled crew across the country.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Building off a masterful National League Championship Series performance, Yamamoto became the first pitcher to log consecutive postseason complete games since Arizona Diamondbacks ace Curt Schilling in 2001, and the first Dodger to do it since Orel Hershiser in 1988.
    Andy McCullough, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Still, Tagovailoa put on a masterful performance against the Falcons, completing 77% of his passes for 205 yards and four touchdowns.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • As in years past, there was plenty of heated debate, some clever campaigning on social media, a last-minute push for votes from A-list significant others and a few races that were neck-and-neck right up until the last ballot was cast.
    Alex Apatoff, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
  • From clever packing solutions and cozy in-flight accessories, to tiny upgrades that make a huge difference midair, all of these travel hacks are pilot-approved for keeping your journey calm, clean, and surprisingly comfortable from takeoff to touchdown.
    Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Plus, an expert PEOPLE editor answers the burning question of the week, and one of our favorite stars joins us for a sitdown.
    Staff Author Updated, PEOPLE, 23 Oct. 2025
  • For full daily and monthly horoscopes as well as expert readings, see our full Horoscopes experience.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Michelle is more cunning, figuring out how to play these two to her whims, while Teddy struggles to prove her extraterrestrial origins.
    Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Your words can be sharp and cunning today.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • While those connotations may have long since lost their relevance, contemporary designers have been embracing lace more than ever recently, filling collections in New York Bridal Fashion Week with beautiful gowns crafted in the delicate, classic material.
    Shelby Wax, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2025
  • She was elegantly dressed in a cream coat dress adorned with delicate embroidery, paired with matching heels and a coordinating clutch bag.
    Stephanie Giang-Paunon , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dexterous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dexterous. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

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