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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of deft
Not long ago, these militias’ tendency to bicker was mitigated by the deft orchestration of Soleimani.
—
Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 2 Sep. 2025
As a performer, he's known for his larger-than-life persona, deft physicality, and token one-liners.
—Randall Colburn, EW.com, 1 Sep. 2025
Some players struggled against the size of bigger and stronger players, while others craftily created space with deft footwork and manipulation.
—Devin Robertson, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Aug. 2025
Johnson and his Perkins&Will colleagues adopt this approach as a guide and use a deft touch that does not do too much.
—Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deft
Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 2 Sep. 2025
As a performer, he's known for his larger-than-life persona, deft physicality, and token one-liners.
—Randall Colburn, EW.com, 1 Sep. 2025
Some players struggled against the size of bigger and stronger players, while others craftily created space with deft footwork and manipulation.
—Devin Robertson, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Aug. 2025
Johnson and his Perkins&Will colleagues adopt this approach as a guide and use a deft touch that does not do too much.
—Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deft
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deft
Adjective
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Kirk Baxter’s arrhythmic cutting is designed around quicksilver shifts that, along with Barry Ackroyd’s restlessly attentive, mostly handheld camerawork, allow Bigelow to redirect our attention with virtuoso command.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Nani was an exciting, skillful winger, and in the early part of his career in England, a one-time housemate of storied compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo.—
Patrick Snell,
CNN Money,
13 Sep. 2025
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The animation is flawless and the voice cast, including Dom DeLuise and Derek Jacobi, is note-perfect, but NIMH is most notable for its skillful blend of adventure yarn and emotional family drama, a combination rendered with expert care.—
Declan Gallagher,
EW.com,
13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The Magnificent Seven are also skilled innovators, Cramer continued.—
Julie Coleman,
CNBC,
15 Sep. 2025
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According to a McKinsey Digital survey, 60% of companies agree that the lack of skilled IT professionals is the primary barrier to deploying complex technologies.—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Seville is known for having excellent regular-season races and running masterful rounds in major championships.—
Katelyn Hutchison,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
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Hijabs Off is a masterful special that Johnson’s career has been building toward for years.—
Kathryn VanArendonk,
Vulture,
15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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On this occasion, Fernandez’s cross flies over Cucurella and straight into the thick of the action, where Joao Pedro’s cunning movement creates space to get his header away.—
Thom Harris,
New York Times,
11 Sep. 2025
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Bening will costar on the series as Beulah Jackson, who's described as the powerful, cunning, and charming head of a major ranch in Texas.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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When human activities like pollution disrupt habitats, these delicate host–parasite relationships can break down.—
Melissa Cristina Márquez,
Forbes.com,
19 Sep. 2025
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This delicate balance is precisely what makes the platform so powerful.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The robot is hydraulically powered, capable of lifting up to 441 pounds (200 kg) across both arms, and features dexterous manipulators for precise handling of tools and materials.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Sep. 2025
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The extraordinary evolution of humans is often exemplified by two defining traits: large brains and highly dexterous hands.—
Pranjal Malewar,
New Atlas,
7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Plus, an expert PEOPLE editor answers the burning question of the week, and one of our favorite stars joins us for a sitdown.—
Staff Author,
PEOPLE,
18 Sep. 2025
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For full daily and monthly horoscopes as well as expert readings, see our full Horoscopes experience.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
18 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Deft.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deft. Accessed 19 Sep. 2025.
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