Definition of adroitnext

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 SpaceX is the implied template: Musk will advocate for privatizing the government, outsourcing the affairs of state to nimble entrepreneurs and adroit technologists. Franklin Foer, The Atlantic, 19 Oct. 2024 Naturally, Moore is formidable, acing an English accent and exhibiting an adroit sense of comic timing. Alison Herman, Variety, 5 Apr. 2024 The adroit reshufflings of narrative and perspective in ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ and ‘Poor Things’? Michael Ordoña, Los Angeles Times, 18 Nov. 2023 The fashion house is known for its adroit use of off-kilter patterns, which, in the skilled hands of Risso, convey a cerebral, never-twee aesthetic that is no less reflected in this new line. Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 25 Aug. 2023 See All Example Sentences for adroit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adroit
Adjective
  • 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
  • Newport’s skillful direction drives the more than 3½-hour play (including two intermissions), making every minute count.
    Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Finnish native Margareta Martin brought enthusiasm and skillful organizing following a move to Atlanta, a dynamic that helped establish a wide variety of cultural, business, artistic and culinary links between the Nordic world and here.
    Mark Woolsey, AJC.com, 25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • From intricate trills and inner voices to grand scales and fiery fast notes, Barnatan gave a masterful performance, supported by a commanding presence from the orchestra, culminating in a final variation that doubled as a fever dream.
    Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Mercedes-Benz’s dominance of Formula 1 in the 2010s—helmed by masterful driver Lewis Hamilton—is well known.
    Brett Berk, Robb Report, 27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • For full daily and monthly horoscopes as well as expert readings, see our full Horoscopes experience.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Subscribe to the Life Kit newsletter for expert advice on love, money, relationships and more.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Let the delicate custard shine.
    Georgeanne Brennan, Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Furthermore, the data gathered by the device could be used to train humanoid robots to perform delicate tasks, such as surgery or complex manufacturing, by mimicking human finesse.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
Adjective
  • One of the first to mourn Browne’s passing was Craig Hella Johnson, founder and artistic director of Conspirare, the Grammy-winning professional choral ensemble.
    Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 31 Mar. 2026
  • In this case, that blend of tradition and artistic interpretation resulted in a final product that stood out—if not entirely for the reasons the bride expected.
    Claire Dodds, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • But Paul Anthony Kelly is a less deft actor than Pidgeon, and he is given material that adheres even closer to the surface of the legend.
    Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 27 Mar. 2026
  • And as an accomplished narrative filmmaker and documentarian, Loznitsa unveils deft homages to Jacques Tati and Roy Andersson, deadpan directors who reduce human behavior to its base movements.
    Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Adroit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adroit. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.

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