variants
also dextrous
1
as in handy
skillful with the hands
the dexterous watchmaker was able to repair the antique watch's delicate gears and parts
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in skillful
accomplished with trained ability
dexterous handling of a potentially embarrassing situation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dexterous
Especially because Snook is such a dexterous driver.
—
Sara Holdren, Vulture, 27 Mar. 2025
The album’s ever-present pedal-steel guitar comes courtesy of J.R. Bohannon, whose dexterous playing throughout Send a Prayer My Way recalls Lloyd Green’s and JayDee Maness’ invaluable contributions to the Byrds’ beloved Sweetheart of the Rodeo.
—Abigail Covington, Rolling Stone, 7 Mar. 2025
Then there was her dexterous ability at playing two pianos at once.
—Gail Mitchell, Billboard, 20 Feb. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for dexterous
Sara Holdren, Vulture, 27 Mar. 2025
The album’s ever-present pedal-steel guitar comes courtesy of J.R. Bohannon, whose dexterous playing throughout Send a Prayer My Way recalls Lloyd Green’s and JayDee Maness’ invaluable contributions to the Byrds’ beloved Sweetheart of the Rodeo.
—Abigail Covington, Rolling Stone, 7 Mar. 2025
Then there was her dexterous ability at playing two pianos at once.
—Gail Mitchell, Billboard, 20 Feb. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for dexterous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dexterous
Adjective
-
Roughly 1,600 square feet includes just one bedroom—a primary suite with a faux living wall and access to a wraparound balcony—but the open-plan great room comes with a handy Murphy bed for guests.—
Wendy Bowman,
Robb Report,
10 Apr. 2025
-
Approach with caution, look at reviews, and maybe don’t use your main credit card (or at least keep your bank’s dispute line handy).—
Francesca Krempa,
StyleCaster,
10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Elegant materials, bespoke furnishings, skillful layering of textures, and eye-catching lighting are all hallmarks of Hogarty’s soulful spaces, and the firm seeks to create an emotional response with its polished yet comfortable aesthetic.—
Elizabeth Stamp,
Architectural Digest,
15 Apr. 2025
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Hiring managers must learn to distinguish between misuse and skillful application to capture a candidate’s ability to tackle real-world challenges.—
Bing Yu Yap,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
This three-hour experience is led by a skilled guide who will keep you safe, take photographs, and give you detailed information about the bridge and surrounding areas along the way.—
Wendy Altschuler,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2025
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Wiggins, a skilled scorer, doesn’t fit what the Heat ideally needs: someone who can finish at the basket, draw fouls, get Miami into offense and take over games late.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Though White occasionally fell short tying together all the threads — a few songs ambled deep into the weeds and nearly suffocated from their complexity — his masterful guitar techniques and kinetic vocals made the detours worthwhile.—
Bob Gendron,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Apr. 2025
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Following a masterful opening round at Augusta National, round one leader Justin Rose came back to earth on Friday, allowing much of the field to move within striking distance heading to the weekend.—
Jacob Lev,
CNN Money,
11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The lingo, the faces, the concerns – all seemed, if not entirely authentic, then at least clever enough to create some backstage buzz.—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
10 Apr. 2025
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Just make sure your clever solution doesn’t create additional fire hazards i.e. don’t hide cords under a rug.—
Maddie Topliff,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Additionally, nonprofits, my primary market, remained underserved in technology, ensuring a continuous need for expert guidance.—
Will Freeman,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
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Subscribe to the Life Kit newsletter for expert advice on love, money, relationships and more.—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The mean girl, as we’ve been taught to recognize her, is cunning and charismatic.—
Shelby Stewart,
Essence,
8 Apr. 2025
-
With time, cunning, and no irony, the Shuberts slew the Syndicate Goliath and built a monopolistic empire of their own that Justice Department lawyers would decades later force into an antitrust settlement.—
Frank Rich,
Vulture,
8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The graceful curvature of the leather seatbacks and straps encasing the sofas were a marvel, somehow both sturdy and delicate.—
Liam Hess,
Vogue,
10 Apr. 2025
-
Loose clusters of delicate, sweetly-scented flowers appear in April and May.—
Rita Pelczar,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dexterous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dexterous. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.
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