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 skillful
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
Kayla Sharples’ deft flick into the path of Bethune set her up one-on-one with Utah goalkeeper Mia Justus.
—
Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 14 Mar. 2026
Thanks to Jordan's deft portrayal, viewers were just as upset over the breakup as Haddie and her family were.
—Ken Simmons, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Mar. 2026
Reminiscent of Kevin Young’s Ardency in its deft archival roots, music, and formal leanings, Printer’s Fist reminds what historical documentary poetry can still do, particularly when history is being erased everywhere from National Parks to liberal arts curriculums.
—Literary Hub, 2 Mar. 2026
But through a series of deft legal maneuvers—joined to the ever more ambitious self-concepts of some international legal tribunals—Mauritius was able to win a second legal victory at another international tribunal, for the law of the sea.
—David Frum, The Atlantic, 2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for deft
Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 14 Mar. 2026
Thanks to Jordan's deft portrayal, viewers were just as upset over the breakup as Haddie and her family were.
—Ken Simmons, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Mar. 2026
Reminiscent of Kevin Young’s Ardency in its deft archival roots, music, and formal leanings, Printer’s Fist reminds what historical documentary poetry can still do, particularly when history is being erased everywhere from National Parks to liberal arts curriculums.
—Literary Hub, 2 Mar. 2026
But through a series of deft legal maneuvers—joined to the ever more ambitious self-concepts of some international legal tribunals—Mauritius was able to win a second legal victory at another international tribunal, for the law of the sea.
—David Frum, The Atlantic, 2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for deft
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deft
Adjective
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The French Connection is now mostly remembered for its virtuoso chase scene and Gene Hackman’s charm.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
25 Mar. 2026
-
Slafkovský had two goals and an assist in a virtuoso performance, and Iowa Wild goaltender Samuel Hlavaj was sensational, stopping 39 of 40 shots, including an 18-save first period that gave his team belief that the improbable was possible.—
Mark Lazerus,
New York Times,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The invader is a skillful art restorer, Lori Butler (Michaela Coel), who’s been hired by Julian’s greedy children, Barnaby (James Corden) and Sallie (Jessica Gunning), to work, or pose, as their father’s new assistant.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
3 Apr. 2026
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Literary style and themes Critics have praised French’s novels for their vivid settings, psychologically nuanced characters, and skillful dialogue.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Petzold, who also wrote the script, is masterful at meting out backstory.—
Jake Coyle,
Boston Herald,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Brooke Bereuter was masterful in goal for Grapevine shutting out Argyle (18-4-3) until the shootout, including stopping a key penalty kick in the first half.—
Darren Lauber,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Although Cleopatra and Nefertiti are more well-known, Hatshepsut stands out as one of the most skilled and successful female rulers of the ancient world.—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
3 Apr. 2026
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Manufacturers and employers across diverse industries throughout our state rely on these institutions to educate engineers, health care professionals, teachers, data scientists and other skilled workers emerging from this talent pipeline.—
Mark Denzler,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The paramedic suddenly had to balance the urgency of a wartime emergency with the delicate, critical first steps of childbirth.—
Eric Mack,
FOXNews.com,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Miranda's fingers are elegant, delicate as bird bones.—
Danielle Parker,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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In state media comedy shows, jokes about Putin are told from time to time, but they are used to bolster his image as a powerful, cunning leader, and hold up Russia as a great country.—
Neringa Klumbytė,
The Conversation,
4 Mar. 2026
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These ambitious, cunning, and often amoral Cold War operatives were usually marginal or even inconsequential figures at home.—
Alfred McCoy,
Literary Hub,
26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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For full daily and monthly horoscopes as well as expert readings, see our full Horoscopes experience.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
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Subscribe to the Life Kit newsletter for expert advice on love, money, relationships and more.—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Operating under MoDE-VLA, the system continuously refines its actions based on real-time physical feedback, resulting in substantial improvements in dexterous task performance.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
30 Mar. 2026
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Compared with the seeds of almost every other plant, grass seed is highly palatable, especially for a dexterous ape whose hands can slough off the chaff.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
25 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Deft.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deft. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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