deft

adjective

ˈdeft How to pronounce deft (audio)
Definition of deftnext
1
as in virtuoso
accomplished with trained ability a luthier whose deft craftsmanship is prized by violinists the world over

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in dextrous
skillful with the hands the deft jeweler quickly attached the diamond to its mount on the gold band

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 If Trump and his team can practice it, flexible diplomacy—the deft management of constant tensions and rolling conflicts—could pay big dividends. — Michael Kimmage, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025 McPherson has a deft touch with the material, lightly capturing the fierce idealism of Doctor Astrov’s (a riveting John Benjamin Hickey) battle to save the forests and the woozy intoxication of Sonya’s (Melanie Field) crush. — Karen D'souza, The Mercury News, 21 Feb. 2025 As a striker, Delap is a throwback to yesteryear, but with a deft touch. — Dan Sheldon, The Athletic, 15 Feb. 2025 The end result was a deft 2008 satirizing of Hollywood's dearth of Black lead roles. — Marco Della Cava, USA TODAY, 12 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deft
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deft
  1. skillful
  2. skilled
  3. masterful
  4. cunning
  5. delicate
  6. dexterous
  7. expert
  8. clever
Adjective
  • His non-fiction book The Onion Field, published in 1973, would stand as, arguably, his literary masterpiece, a skillful telling of the true tale of a 1963 kidnapping of two LAPD officers and the brutal murder of one of them.
    — Greg Evans, Deadline, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Hackman tamped down all of his gritty charm to embody a squirrely surveillance expert, again showcasing a skillful adaptability early in his career.
    — David Sims, The Atlantic, 27 Feb. 2025
Definition of skillful
Adjective
  • The best communicators are not just skilled speakers but also active listeners who understand the deeper layers of interaction.
    — Mark Travers, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
  • For those keeping track, her character – a highly skilled assassin – was a fundamental part of the superhero team known as the Avengers who gave her life in order to procure an Infinity Stone which ultimately defeated extraterrestrial supervillain Thanos and saved the universe.
    — Dan Heching, CNN, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of skilled
Adjective
  • From Broderick Turner: James Harden was masterful in pouring in 50 points for a Clippers team that once again has endured a slew of injuries at the most inopportune time.
    — Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Three members of the ‘Crab Five’ delivered the flavor Queen, the freshman from Baltimore, was masterful in the second half for Maryland, scoring 13 of his points in the period.
    — Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 1 Mar. 2025
Definition of masterful
Adjective
  • Gilded by privilege and cunning, Glinda (Ariana Grande) is a popular young woman who desires to wield magic.
    — Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Michael Douglas — Wall Street (1987) Gordon Gekko is a cunning and unscrupulous corporate predator who crystallized the Reagan-era ethos into three words.
    — EW.com, EW.com, 2 Mar. 2025
Definition of cunning
Adjective
  • This is a lovely Champagne with appealing aromas of pear, passion fruit and a delicate hint of yeast.
    — Tom Hyland, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Reviewers rave about this set’s soft feel and delicate appearance.
    — Genevieve Cepeda, Travel + Leisure, 17 Mar. 2025
Definition of delicate
Adjective
  • The album’s ever-present pedal-steel guitar comes courtesy of J.R. Bohannon, whose dexterous playing throughout Send a Prayer My Way recalls Lloyd Green’s and JayDee Maness’ invaluable contributions to the Byrds’ beloved Sweetheart of the Rodeo.
    — Abigail Covington, Rolling Stone, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Then there was her dexterous ability at playing two pianos at once.
    — Gail Mitchell, Billboard, 20 Feb. 2025
Definition of dexterous
Adjective
  • All expert recommendations were derived from interviews.
    — Catherine Brock, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Iran, for example, is expert at picking the winners of Iraqi elections.
    — Michael Knights, Foreign Affairs, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of expert
Adjective
  • Classical methods of solving these problems, which often involve churning through possible solutions in clever ways, quickly become untenable.
    — Stephen Ornes, Quanta Magazine, 17 Mar. 2025
  • This rapid cycle reduces costs, and allows clever businesses to be the first to market trends and consumer feedback updates.
    — Haokun Qin, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
Definition of clever

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Cite this Entry

“Deft.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deft. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of deft for Spanish Speakers

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