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 They’re deft digital marketers who litter every video with popular hashtags. Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 21 May 2025 Fortunately, the series exhibits a deft hand with these issues, addressing them sensitively and beautifully without ever losing its sense of humor. 42. Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 20 May 2025 But what really makes Fan Service the OTP for book and reader is Danan’s deft hand with deeper traumas — here, predominantly abandonment and bullying. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 19 May 2025 The White House benefits from the Kremlin’s deft baby-steps, insincere, inching towards peace. Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for deft
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deft
Adjective
  • Several would require the skillful balancing of adverse political interests, including labor unions, real estate companies and pro-tenant groups.
    Mihir Zaveri, New York Times, 1 June 2025
  • In short, this is about being emotionally skillful and multifaceted.
    Ximena Araya-Fischel, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
Adjective
  • These eagles are skilled soarers, often riding thermal updrafts to reach extreme heights.
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025
  • The skilled crafts that underpin entertainment are also at risk of being lost, says David Offenberg, an entertainment finance professor at Loyola Marymount University.
    Ali Martin, Christian Science Monitor, 14 June 2025
Adjective
  • Latour was masterful in the pitching circle, twirling a complete-game shutout while scattering four hits and striking out eight in a 4-0 win for D-R. Latour came through at the plate, too, notching two hits and an RBI.
    Greg Dudek, Boston Herald, 12 June 2025
  • Under a masterful ride from jockey Frankie Dettori, Raging Torrent simply ran them off their feet and rolled home two and a half lengths to the good.
    Danny Brewer, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • Particularly cunning or politically convenient women have infrequently maneuvered into the halls of power, but these female monarchs have served mostly as short detours during times when a male crown prince was either too young or too weak to stand on his own.
    Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 8 June 2025
  • Anderson stands the original on its head: grooming Liesl as a successor, Zsa-zsa introduces her to a world where cunning and force hold sway.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • The name angel pie gives a few of this dessert's secrets away: The crust is a super delicate meringue that's crisp on the outside but marshmallowy on the inside.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 8 June 2025
  • While Ramsey was learning the delicate art of building firebreaks, a large fire broke out just outside the town.
    Marc Weingarten, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2025
Adjective
  • Seals are known to use their highly sensitive and dexterous whiskers to navigate and hunt, but the role of visual perception is less studied.
    Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 5 June 2025
  • Equipped with dexterous whiskers, these pinnipeds use a suite of senses to navigate their surroundings with ease.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • Consult a tax attorney or expert financial advisor for more information and tailored advice.
    True Tamplin, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
  • Melanie also consulted Kristie Rhodes, manager of woven product development at Cotton Incorporated, for expert insight.
    Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • The argument that Trump has violated the 10th Amendment is a clever subversion of a line of thinking that has traditionally been backed by conservative judges, said Erwin Chemerinsky, the dean of the UC Berkeley School of Law.
    Laura J. Nelson, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
  • Barenaked Ladies, Sugar Ray and Fastball Three lively, strident bands known for clever lyrics and fun banter relive the 1990s for you on July 13 at 7 p.m. at the Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 8 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Deft.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deft. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

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