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
Molded bonbons were also lovely and deft, if not quite up to the subtle complexity of Melissa Coppel or the trompe-la-langue lulz of Kreuther.
—
Matthew Korfhage, WIRED, 30 Jan. 2025
His book has the deft touch that can come only when the ego of the journalist ebbs into something far more substantial and convincing.
—Jay Caspian Kang, The New Yorker, 21 Feb. 2025
The atmosphere backstage was essentially a facsimile, with artists finding a deft balance between celebrating their wins while acknowledging the awards happening in the wake of a major natural disaster.
—Katie Bain, Billboard, 3 Feb. 2025
Edward Berger’s deft direction proves taut, smart and subversive, as Roman whispers drive this robe and dagger drama forward with force.
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 7 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deft
Matthew Korfhage, WIRED, 30 Jan. 2025
His book has the deft touch that can come only when the ego of the journalist ebbs into something far more substantial and convincing.
—Jay Caspian Kang, The New Yorker, 21 Feb. 2025
The atmosphere backstage was essentially a facsimile, with artists finding a deft balance between celebrating their wins while acknowledging the awards happening in the wake of a major natural disaster.
—Katie Bain, Billboard, 3 Feb. 2025
Edward Berger’s deft direction proves taut, smart and subversive, as Roman whispers drive this robe and dagger drama forward with force.
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 7 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deft
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deft
Adjective
-
His non-fiction book The Onion Field, published in 1973, would stand as, arguably, his literary masterpiece, a skillful telling of the true tale of a 1963 kidnapping of two LAPD officers and the brutal murder of one of them.—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
28 Feb. 2025
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Hackman tamped down all of his gritty charm to embody a squirrely surveillance expert, again showcasing a skillful adaptability early in his career.—
David Sims,
The Atlantic,
27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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For highly skilled job seekers, the choice is obvious.—
Sarah Elk,
Forbes,
27 Feb. 2025
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Truly skilled, effective coaches don’t need to call their players names and berate them for messing up and know that doing so makes players afraid to take risks and be creative, critical parts of being a great soccer player.—
Jeff Rueter,
The Athletic,
26 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Her 36-piece against Duke earlier this month was masterful.—
Steven Louis Goldstein,
The Athletic,
23 Feb. 2025
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Although his counting stats faded in 2024, Sims was still masterful at limiting weak contact with his sweeper-heavy repertoire.—
Newsweek,
Newsweek,
19 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Reading it, one is reminded, once again, that Trump is a politician who is cunning but semiliterate and ignorant.—
Eliot A. Cohen,
The Atlantic,
13 Feb. 2025
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Sign up The abusive couple were cunning, said Allison Pearson in The Daily Telegraph.—
The Week UK,
theweek,
21 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Sleek Flats: The Feminine Finish For a soft, elegant touch, flat mules or strappy sandals are the perfect pairing with wide-leg pants, as these delicate styles contrast beautifully with oversized silhouettes, adding a hint of polish without overpowering.—
Ruhama Wolle,
Glamour,
5 Mar. 2025
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The sweater, which retails for around $1,325, featured a delicate design with short sleeves and a rounded neckline.—
WWD Staff,
WWD,
5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Then there was her dexterous ability at playing two pianos at once.—
Gail Mitchell,
Billboard,
20 Feb. 2025
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Moving safely from the clouds to this perch required a steep angle, a dexterous pilot, and passengers more afraid of missing the film festival than of death upon impact.—
Daniel D'Addario,
Variety,
17 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Even if the response is led by the country in which the outbreak is happening, WHO provides expert advice and helps coordinate efforts.—
Gabrielle Emanuel,
NPR,
27 Feb. 2025
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Most expert bracketologists have Boise State just missing the field of 68.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
26 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Their techniques are clever, and reveal interesting things about how large language models work.—
Alex Reisner,
The Atlantic,
5 Mar. 2025
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The devilishly clever dad's wife, Emma Williams (@emmawill2014), posted a clip on TikTok showing five out of their six kids gathered around the table and engrossed in painting Warhammer 40k miniatures with their father.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
4 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Deft.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deft. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
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