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
But more careful scrutiny reveals that Rubens made deft alterations to Titian’s composition.
—
Rebecca Mead, The New Yorker, 17 Mar. 2025
Emerging from personal turmoil, the album is another deft narrative turn for Isbell.
—Ryan Leas, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2025
In these troubled times, Baker’s deft handling of class and power dynamics only becomes more sadly topical, giving us a heroine for our time in Madison’s tinsel-haired, heel-clacking go-getter.
—Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 2025
Frankenheimer’s ability to use the space around his characters extends to another strength of the film, which is its deft use of Northern Michigan locations.
—Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deft
Rebecca Mead, The New Yorker, 17 Mar. 2025
Emerging from personal turmoil, the album is another deft narrative turn for Isbell.
—Ryan Leas, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2025
In these troubled times, Baker’s deft handling of class and power dynamics only becomes more sadly topical, giving us a heroine for our time in Madison’s tinsel-haired, heel-clacking go-getter.
—Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 2025
Frankenheimer’s ability to use the space around his characters extends to another strength of the film, which is its deft use of Northern Michigan locations.
—Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deft
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deft
Adjective
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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
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This hints that, yes, skillful storytellers may actually live longer.—
Ron Shachar,
Scientific American,
7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The loss of this skilled support would place a greater burden on active-duty soldiers, who are not trained for many of these back-end roles.—
Solange Charas,
Forbes,
23 Mar. 2025
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Hurley said postgame that Florida’s roster construction — especially the Gators’ skilled two-way bigs and glut of perimeter threats — reminded him of his own rosters, at least for most of the past three seasons.—
Brendan Marks,
The Athletic,
22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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That said, a deck of cards in the hands of a masterful street magician is still really awesome, too.—
Tony Bradley,
Forbes,
22 Mar. 2025
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That battle, readers of Othello might remember, plays a significant role in the play’s unfolding tragedy and Iago's masterful plan.—
Dave Quinn,
People.com,
21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Every actor is absolutely perfect in this super-efficient romp, from Cleese’s perfect straight man amidst the chaos, to Curtis’ seductive, cunning femme fatale, to Palin’s stammering, animal-loving hitman whose assassination attempts go disastrously wrong.—
Travis Bean,
Forbes,
22 Mar. 2025
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Their infatuations are challenged by a cunning philosopher who persuades the bros to pretend they’ve been suddenly drafted and to return later in disguise to woo each other’s fiancée.—
Mark Swed,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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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
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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
Adjective
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Especially because Snook is such a dexterous driver.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
27 Mar. 2025
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One of the most remarkable features of the K2 is its dexterous hands.—
Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report,
Fox News,
17 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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Several legendary fictional detectives have been expert game players and puzzle solvers.—
Sarah Larson,
The New Yorker,
21 Mar. 2025
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Today, an internet connection opens up a world of free and affordable learning—from YouTube channels dedicated to sharing expert knowledge to podcasts and digital libraries packed with nonfiction titles ready to download to a Kindle or other e-reader.—
David Nikel,
Forbes,
20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Later in the same game, Miami ran four verts with a clever outside receiver cross-field motion.—
Ted Nguyen,
New York Times,
28 Mar. 2025
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The digital device is exhausted, the runtime stretches a tad too long, and a club scene that begins as an admirable feat (making clever use of the Music Box Theatre) begins to drag, before giving way to a crucial turning point in the story.—
Shania Russell,
EW.com,
28 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Deft.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deft. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.
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