Definition of adroitnext

Synonym Chooser

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

The words deft and dexterous are common synonyms of adroit. While all three words mean "ready and skilled in physical movement," 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

When might deft be a better fit than adroit?

Although the words deft and adroit have much in common, deft emphasizes lightness, neatness, and sureness of touch or handling.

a surgeon's deft manipulation of the scalpel

In what contexts can dexterous take the place of adroit?

The words dexterous and adroit can be used in similar contexts, but 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 adroit SpaceX is the implied template: Musk will advocate for privatizing the government, outsourcing the affairs of state to nimble entrepreneurs and adroit technologists. Franklin Foer, The Atlantic, 19 Oct. 2024 Naturally, Moore is formidable, acing an English accent and exhibiting an adroit sense of comic timing. Alison Herman, Variety, 5 Apr. 2024 The adroit reshufflings of narrative and perspective in ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ and ‘Poor Things’? Michael Ordoña, Los Angeles Times, 18 Nov. 2023 The fashion house is known for its adroit use of off-kilter patterns, which, in the skilled hands of Risso, convey a cerebral, never-twee aesthetic that is no less reflected in this new line. Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 25 Aug. 2023 See All Example Sentences for adroit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adroit
Adjective
  • The teacher was Orlandi himself, both an authority on the history of the instrument and a virtuoso performer.
    Tim Parks, New Yorker, 11 Apr. 2026
  • The French Connection is now mostly remembered for its virtuoso chase scene and Gene Hackman’s charm.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • This country has produced leaders who understood that the office was never about them, that service means something, and that the people watching from home deserve better than a system that rewards the skillful exit over the honest reckoning.
    Nick Weston, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 May 2026
  • Miami coach Mario Cristobal is known for his skillful recruiting of top prospects.
    Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Jose did a wonderful job, a masterful job at getting him there.
    Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 3 May 2026
  • Jose did a wonderful job, masterful job.
    Jay Posner, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2026
Adjective
  • For full daily and monthly horoscopes as well as expert readings, see our full Horoscopes experience.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Judge Liman did not immediately rule on whether the expert testimony on the topics would be permitted.
    Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • While discussing the delicate tone of the show and its balance of being a satire on the Hollywood movie business and a love letter to chasing your dream, Cretton said the creative team focused on character to find their way.
    Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Also on view are selections from the Macchia series, known for bold color combinations and ruffled edges, and the delicate Seaforms, which evoke underwater life through translucent layers of glass.
    Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The robot supports multiple end effectors, including two- and three-finger grippers and a five-finger dexterous hand.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Paul, who co-created the Apple TV+ series and drew from season one for the musical’s script and score, performs a dexterous trick, poking fun at the form’s many ridiculous tropes with an unmistakably affectionate hand.
    Naveen Kumar, Variety, 21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Venus Williams was not the only guest to break the fourth wall with an artistic reference to herself.
    Beatrice Dupuy, Chicago Tribune, 5 May 2026
  • To go with his ancestral claims, Church, who had been drawing obsessively since early childhood, also inherited an artistic mantle.
    Sebastian Smee, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
Adjective
  • The art of effortless jewelry relies on brands with a deft design eye—classic but not boring; modern but subtle enough to layer with the rest of your look.
    Malia Griggs, Glamour, 2 May 2026
  • McCarthy has a deft way with crafting suspense in his script, leading with character first, planting conversational bombs that go off at intervals throughout the plot.
    Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 2 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Adroit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adroit. Accessed 6 May. 2026.

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