Synonym Chooser

How is the word deft different from other adjectives like it?

The words adroit and dexterous are common synonyms of deft. While all three words mean "ready and skilled in physical movement," deft emphasizes lightness, neatness, and sureness of touch or handling.

a surgeon's deft manipulation of the scalpel

When is it sensible to use adroit instead of deft?

The words adroit and deft are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

In what contexts can dexterous take the place of deft?

In some situations, the words dexterous and deft are roughly equivalent. However, dexterous implies expertness with consequent facility and quickness in manipulation.

unrolled the sleeping bag with a dexterous toss

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 deft This visceral vulnerability, as a result of Yvonne’s mourning, is the film’s most intriguing facet, which Ohs unveils with a deft hand through his eerie sense of atmosphere. Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 8 Mar. 2025 Other times, Bubic showcased a deft pitching arsenal. Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 26 Mar. 2025 Add the deft hands of Francona’s pair of bench coaches — Brad Mills and Freddie Benavides — and there was a calm, consistent workday throughout camp. C. Trent Rosecrans, The Athletic, 24 Mar. 2025 Aduba holds everything together with a deft turn, refusing to let Cordelia Cupp’s on-paper oddities ever become a caricature. Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deft
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deft
Adjective
  • Hiring managers must learn to distinguish between misuse and skillful application to capture a candidate’s ability to tackle real-world challenges.
    Bing Yu Yap, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • He is known for his skillful wedge game and a booming drive, but at Memorial Park, his whole game coalesced perfectly.
    Ben Morse, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • However, even the most skilled clinicians can struggle if the technology is difficult to use.
    Jiang Li, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • At Vi at Aventura, independent living comes with access to on-site assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and rehabilitation, should it ever be needed.
    Vi at Aventura, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The song is punctuated with a dizzying guitar solo, a reflection of the album’s masterful instrumentation that feels connected to the sprawling guitar work of Mk.gee, another shadowy pop force.
    Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Ron Howard, a legendary filmmaker, delivers a masterful vision at the peak of his craft.
    Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Unlike Mitch McConnell, the taciturn and cunning leader at the time, Thune genuinely tried to answer questions.
    David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2025
  • But what Neil is accused of is something well beyond cunning or perfidy or faithlessness, well beyond questionable morality.
    Mikal Gilmore, Rolling Stone, 16 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The graceful curvature of the leather seatbacks and straps encasing the sofas were a marvel, somehow both sturdy and delicate.
    Liam Hess, Vogue, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Loose clusters of delicate, sweetly-scented flowers appear in April and May.
    Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Especially because Snook is such a dexterous driver.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 27 Mar. 2025
  • One of the most remarkable features of the K2 is its dexterous hands.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 17 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Image Image Image Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation.
    Todd Anderson, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Led by expert marine aquarists, participants have the chance to get up close and personal with tropical fish, sting rays, and colorful reefs, all while learning more about life underwater.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The lingo, the faces, the concerns – all seemed, if not entirely authentic, then at least clever enough to create some backstage buzz.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Just make sure your clever solution doesn’t create additional fire hazards i.e. don’t hide cords under a rug.
    Maddie Topliff, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Deft.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deft. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on deft

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!