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 Moving safely from the clouds to this perch required a steep angle, a dexterous pilot, and passengers more afraid of missing the film festival than of death upon impact. Daniel D'addario, Variety, 17 Feb. 2025 The octopus, with dexterous arms and camouflaging abilities, excels at extracting prey from crevices and hiding spots, commonly using a technique called a web-over. Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 3 Feb. 2025 Like any dexterous toddler, Lindsay would have moved her hands around while riding her mother’s back — but Beryl is missing an eye. Brandon Keim, New York Times, 21 Jan. 2025 He’s got dexterous tools catching, tipping and redirecting pucks on first touch. Scott Wheeler, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dexterous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dexterous
Adjective
  • The upshot for young businesses is that the annual contributions to SEP IRAs are flexible, which can be handy in the early years when cash flow is inconsistent.
    Darla Mercado, CFP®, CNBC, 1 Apr. 2025
  • There are some items that just make packing and traveling less stressful, such as a plush neck pillow or handy packing cubes.
    Rylee Johnston, Travel + Leisure, 1 Apr. 2025
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
  • 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
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
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Dexterous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dexterous. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

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