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 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 These mother-and-son exchanges rinse and repeat in the first stages of the storytelling, under the adroit direction of Rob Lutfy, mingling tension and absurdity. David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 June 2023 Six months ago, his historic landslide victory was widely lauded, viewed as the triumph of a politically adroit change-maker whose centrist policies had swept him to power. Dan Bilefsky, New York Times, 7 May 2023 See All Example Sentences for adroit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adroit
Adjective
  • McIntosh, a brilliant composer who has a sideline as a virtuoso early-music violinist, revelled in the microtonal shadings that Feldman built into his notation.
    Alex Ross, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026
  • Six points clear of Manchester City and Villa, Arsenal can boast form and — for the first time in a while — fitness, with Declan Rice marking his return to the lineup with a virtuoso two-goal display against Bournemouth.
    Jack Bantock, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Rosenberg is careful to note that this doesn’t require abandoning values or discernment, but recognizing that beneath every expression — skillful, clumsy, or even hurtful — is an unmet need.
    Jasna Hodžić, Big Think, 29 Jan. 2026
  • The music’s dizzying rhythmic variation is skillful and studied enough that its humor can’t be mistaken for gimmicky internet caricature.
    Rae-Aila Crumble, Pitchfork, 26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Mike Vrabel has done a masterful coaching job to pull this team to the Super Bowl, but New England’s offense won’t be enough in this game.
    J.J. Bailey, New York Times, 27 Jan. 2026
  • In his masterful first novel, Lincoln in the Bardo, ghouls and spirits keep chattering away, as if at a corner barbershop, while Abraham Lincoln mourns his dead 11-year-old son, Willie.
    Pico Iyer, Air Mail, 24 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • For full daily and monthly horoscopes as well as expert readings, see our full Horoscopes experience.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 3 Feb. 2026
  • Sign up for Ced’s Corner Sign up for Cedric Golden’s newsletter for hot takes and expert analysis each Tuesday on Texas Longhorns football and beyond.
    Cedric Golden, Austin American Statesman, 3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Musk and SpaceX have sought to steer a delicate course in the war.
    Aamer Madhani, Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Robbie’s delicate glam was the work of Pati Dubroff.
    Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • After a vocal break, the jam ends with Bonamassa playing his own lyrical solo, summarizing everything that came before it with deft, dexterous blues playing.
    Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 16 Jan. 2026
  • In addition to their impressive brains, raccoons’ dexterous hands play a key role in their cognitively creative escapades.
    Kelly Lambert, Fortune, 16 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The French Armenian fashion designer, who has served as the artistic director of the maison’s menswear division for 38 years, presented her final collection at the Palais Brongniart in Paris on Saturday.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 26 Jan. 2026
  • Hastie recently joined the National Theatre as deputy artistic director.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • There’s a sincerity to Spider-Man 3, combined with Raimi’s still deft understanding of Peter and Mary Jane’s relationship, that this film’s devotees point to in an attempt to reclaim it.
    James Grebey, Vulture, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Like the previous film, Shuko Murase’s direction is deft and very subtle, with character progression handled delicately.
    Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Adroit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adroit. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.

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