Synonyms of deft

deft

adjective

ˈdeft 

1

as in virtuoso

accomplished with trained ability

a luthier whose deft craftsmanship is prized by violinists the world over

Synonyms & Similar Words

• virtuoso
• skillful
• masterful
• delicate
• expert
• smooth
• artistic
• adroit
• artful
• dexterous
• masterly
• workmanlike
• dextrous
• practised
• bravura
• practiced
• adept
• creative
• ingenious
• clever
• facile
• cunning
• neat
• capable
• adequate
• fancy
• competent
• able

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• amateur
• crude
• artless
• amateurish
• clumsy
• rude
• unprofessional
• awkward
• ineffective
• unskillful
• ineffectual
• incompetent
• inept
• klutzy

2

as in dextrous

skillful with the hands

the deft jeweler quickly attached the diamond to its mount on the gold band

Synonyms & Similar Words

• dextrous
• skillful
• skilled
• cunning
• dexterous
• clever
• capable
• proficient
• graceful
• adept
• handy
• nimble
• competent
• agile
• masterful
• limber
• able
• masterly
• expert
• coordinated
• lissom
• spry
• lithe
• flexible
• qualified
• lithesome
• lissome
• sure-handed
• habile
• loose-jointed
• double-jointed

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• heavy-handed
• wooden
• clumsy
• unhandy
• handless
• uneasy
• awkward
• stiff
• uncomfortable
• ungainly
• stilted
• fumbling
• ungraceful
• gawky
• gauche
• graceless
• ham-fisted
• klutzy
• ham-handed
• rough-hewn
• incapable
• uncoordinated
• butterfingered
• incompetent
• inept
• bungling
• inexpert
• maladroit

Synonym Chooser

How is the word deft different from other adjectives like it?

The words adroit and dexterous are common synonyms of deft. While all three words mean "ready and skilled in physical movement," deft emphasizes lightness, neatness, and sureness of touch or handling.

a surgeon's deft manipulation of the scalpel

When is it sensible to use adroit instead of deft?

The words adroit and deft are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

In what contexts can dexterous take the place of deft?

In some situations, the words dexterous and deft are roughly equivalent. However, dexterous implies expertness with consequent facility and quickness in manipulation.

unrolled the sleeping bag with a dexterous toss

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of deft

Shooting star: While there are no guarantees of continuing with the Heat, Stevenson continued to show a deft 3-point stroke, this time closing 4 of 10 from beyond the arc. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 19 July 2025

The series was recognized for its deft balance of humor and substance, and for showing promise as a full-season pickup. —Shelby Stewart, Essence, 17 July 2025

At Imagineering, the primary purpose of this advanced tech is to infuse characters such as these deft droids with more lifelike personality, while a more practical use is speeding up development. —Carolyn Giardina, Variety, 16 July 2025

Under the deft hand of Master Blender Victoria Eady Butler, this expression showcases the complexity and craftsmanship that define Uncle Nearest's premium offerings. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025