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 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 The Premonitions Bureau, an adroit debut from the New Yorker staff writer Sam Knight, draws us into a world not-that-far-gone in which psychic phenomena were yet untamed by science and uncanny sensations still whispered of the supernatural, of cosmic secrets. Ian Beacock, The New Republic, 25 Aug. 2022 Both men were adroit in working the local political system, each was fixated on focal sepsis as the cause of psychosis, and each came to lose his capacity for objectivity in the pursuit of his goal. Neuroskeptic, Discover Magazine, 11 Jan. 2015 See All Example Sentences for adroit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adroit
Adjective
  • This skillful painting by Sophie Zhou, a junior at The Kincaid School, was sold for a record $276,000 at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's school art competition auction.
    Shafaq Patel, Axios, 19 Mar. 2025
  • This hints that, yes, skillful storytellers may actually live longer.
    Ron Shachar, Scientific American, 7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The song is punctuated with a dizzying guitar solo, a reflection of the album’s masterful instrumentation that feels connected to the sprawling guitar work of Mk.gee, another shadowy pop force.
    Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Ron Howard, a legendary filmmaker, delivers a masterful vision at the peak of his craft.
    Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Image Image Image Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation.
    Todd Anderson, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Led by expert marine aquarists, participants have the chance to get up close and personal with tropical fish, sting rays, and colorful reefs, all while learning more about life underwater.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Reinforcing its status as a rising force in contemporary fashion, Ann Andelman’s boutique launch coincides with the release of the label’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection — a range that explores the delicate balance between sensibility and emotion through a dreamlike visual narrative.
    Angela Lei, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • After more than 30 years, Wimberley Glassworks still flourishes and its gallery is bursting with color—plates in kaleidoscopic shades, delicate pieces glowing brightly on tables, sculptures fanning out in rainbows over the walls, as if outraged by the white paint.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 29 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Especially because Snook is such a dexterous driver.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 27 Mar. 2025
  • One of the most remarkable features of the K2 is its dexterous hands.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 17 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • An important location for writers and artists in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the 138-year-old destination today plays up its intellectual and artistic history with literary gatherings, poetry workshops and live music.
    Evan Rail, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Part of the Chapitre Six Hotels collection, Hana exudes quiet sophistication, with interiors by architect and designer Laura Gonzalez and artistic director Olivier Leone.
    Jenn Rice, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Other times, Bubic showcased a deft pitching arsenal.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 26 Mar. 2025
  • Add the deft hands of Francona’s pair of bench coaches — Brad Mills and Freddie Benavides — and there was a calm, consistent workday throughout camp.
    C. Trent Rosecrans, The Athletic, 24 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Adroit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adroit. Accessed 9 Apr. 2025.

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