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
Related Stories Yet Castro, in collaboration with deft editor Carolina Siraqyan, manages to weave in segments that subtextually address some of the not-so-pristine shades of Abraham Quintanilla’s presence in his children’s lives.
—
Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 27 Jan. 2025
Her hair was styled by Rena Calhoun, who is a deft hand at leading lady hair: from a chic chignon on Hunter Schafer to Baby Reindeer’s Nava Mau’s sleek bob.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 24 Jan. 2025
By all accounts, Ms. Bissell was a one-woman social network, a deft saloniste who seemed to know everybody of any significance in every field.
—Penelope Green, New York Times, 21 Jan. 2025
Greathead is deft at dishing out such dialogue, too, and chapter after chapter, as George ages and a variety of crises large and small arise, this episodic novel seems a form of first-rate TV sitcom between covers.
—Kendal Weaver, Boston Herald, 13 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for deft
Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 27 Jan. 2025
Her hair was styled by Rena Calhoun, who is a deft hand at leading lady hair: from a chic chignon on Hunter Schafer to Baby Reindeer’s Nava Mau’s sleek bob.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 24 Jan. 2025
By all accounts, Ms. Bissell was a one-woman social network, a deft saloniste who seemed to know everybody of any significance in every field.
—Penelope Green, New York Times, 21 Jan. 2025
Greathead is deft at dishing out such dialogue, too, and chapter after chapter, as George ages and a variety of crises large and small arise, this episodic novel seems a form of first-rate TV sitcom between covers.
—Kendal Weaver, Boston Herald, 13 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for deft
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deft
Adjective
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My partner’s organization, energy, confidence, focus, and skillful ability to take charge?—
Emma Specter,
Vogue,
13 Feb. 2025
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Saros With Returnal, developer Housemarque made the skillful transition from shmup to third-person shooter.—
Jordan Minor,
PCMAG,
13 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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The roster features skilled players who have to be ambitious enough to recognize the awareness of always being secondary in the show.—
Jason Jones,
The Athletic,
15 Feb. 2025
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The skilled stars perfectly strike the blend of comedic relief and moving moments of wisdom.—
Raven Brunner,
People.com,
14 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Sophomore guards Green, Kensley Vest and Lexi Ehrhardt did a masterful job from that point protecting the ball and keeping it away from the Jaguars.—
Charles Baggarly,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Feb. 2025
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From drafting Jalen Hurts in the second round of the 2020 Draft to making crucial trades like bringing in A.J. Brown and drafting key players such as Jalen Carter and DeVonta Smith, Roseman's moves have been nothing short of masterful.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
14 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Another male ally to the women’s crimes is Walter (Elijah Wood), a fellow citizen detective of Misty’s who uses his wealth and cunning to bury Shauna’s murder case once and for all.—
Proma Khosla,
IndieWire,
12 Feb. 2025
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China has been especially cunning in building influence among developing countries.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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There's actually a bevy of shine-boosting, ultra-nourishing oils on the market that deliver amazing results to delicate strands.—
Jennifer Hussein,
Allure,
21 Feb. 2025
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Pieces include a sleeveless tartan top with pockets that could be mistaken for a gigantic scarf; delicate skirts in the style of a sarong wrap, and long-sleeve mesh T-shirts.—
Hikmat Mohammed,
WWD,
21 Feb. 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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When the researchers tested the system using videos of 158 real-world cases, 53% of reports written by the surgeons contained discrepancies, compared with 29% of AI reports, as determined by an expert team of reviewers.—
Nancy Lapid,
USA TODAY,
15 Feb. 2025
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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.—
Emily Goligoski,
New York Times,
14 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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More News: William Byron Just Pulled Off a Daytona 500 Feat Only Four Others Have Speaking about the incident in an interview, Byron seemed amused by the clever digital jest.—
Tom Rogers,
Newsweek,
22 Feb. 2025
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The clever critters have apparently learned that the sewers are safer than busy roads.—
Melissa Locker,
Southern Living,
21 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Deft.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deft. Accessed 1 Mar. 2025.
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