variants also dextrous

Synonym Chooser

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

The words adroit and deft are common synonyms of dexterous. While all three words mean "ready and skilled in physical movement," dexterous implies expertness with consequent facility and quickness in manipulation.

unrolled the sleeping bag with a dexterous toss

In what contexts can adroit take the place of dexterous?

The words adroit and dexterous can be used in similar contexts, but 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

Where would deft be a reasonable alternative to dexterous?

While in some cases nearly identical to dexterous, deft emphasizes lightness, neatness, and sureness of touch or handling.

a surgeon's deft manipulation of the scalpel

Examples 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 dexterous Conductive palm-side material that enabled dexterous phone use, plus a durable, abrasion-resistant exterior, and bluesign approval added to the glove’s appeal. Mark Eller, Outside Online, 15 Nov. 2024 The session, which will include NASA dexterous robotics team leader Shaun Azimi, will be 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday at the JW Marriott. Kara Carlson, Austin American-Statesman, 7 Mar. 2024 Since he was fired from Fox News, Carlson has cobbled together a successful, dexterous career tweeting, podcasting, and speechifying. Hannah Jocelyn, The New Yorker, 1 Nov. 2024 But the company already has a number of humanoids in its robot ranks, has developed a dexterous human-like hand, and become quite adept at showing off its creations in fun promo videos. Paul Ridden, New Atlas, 15 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for dexterous 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dexterous
Adjective
  • Here’s where the skills of persuasion come in handy, in calling our clients to action—actions of their own choosing and architecture—and providing the pivotal role of accountability.
    Tim Maurer, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025
  • That’s why at-home COVID-19 and flu tests are so handy.
    Lauren Paige Richeson, Health, 19 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • But Vancouver nonetheless controlled the second stanza of the contest — first levelling the score, and then taking the lead with a persistent, skillful shift on which Brock Boeser, Quinn Hughes and Elias Pettersson were able to combine for the key go-ahead goal.
    Thomas Drance, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025
  • His length and explosiveness pair well with a skillful touch and a sharp eye for where teammates are located on the perimeter.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Such trends have already been observed in studies of highly skilled immigrant labor – which can add an additional 6% in entrepreneurial activity to a city within three years.
    London School of Economics, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Feliz plays Samantha Reed who has been trained by her father to be a weapons expert, skilled martial artist and true chameleon all while hiding a mysterious past.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • As a global hub of graffiti art, the entire London landscape is scattered with masterful murals.
    Brad Japhe, Travel + Leisure, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Image Image In contrast, this masterful Zegna collection, designed by Alessandro Sartori, Zegna’s longstanding artistic director, demanded close inspection and a good bit of attention.
    Jacob Gallagher, New York Times, 21 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • So, when the planet's insides are on the outside, spectroscopy offers a clever way to see within terrestrial worlds.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Soderbergh—doing his own cinematography, as often, under the pseudonym Peter Andrews—crafts a clever style to develop the identification of the camera’s gaze with that of the haunting spirit.
    Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The talk show co-hosts brought in two expert piercers from So Gold Studios from Brooklyn, N.Y. to do the piercings live on the air.
    Rachel McRady, People.com, 23 Jan. 2025
  • There will be children’s activities, educational exhibits, expert horticultural speakers, food vendors and entertainment.
    Joe Rassel, Orlando Sentinel, 22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The episode also introduced Andy Garcia as Galino, a powerful and cunning cartel boss.
    Greg Braxton, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2025
  • Black Friday had become a competitive event requiring planning and cunning to get the good deals first.
    Mary Meehan, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Instead of creating huge reservoirs to dam the rivers and compromise their delicate ecology, Bhutanese turbines harness their natural flow, meaning a glut of power during the sodden summers and a dearth during the parched winters.
    By Charlie Campbell/Gelephu, Bhutan, TIME, 16 Jan. 2025
  • But even though the tech has made strides, the replicating subtle, delicate, nuanced sensations of touch has remained just out of reach.
    Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 16 Jan. 2025

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Thesaurus Entries Near dexterous

Cite this Entry

“Dexterous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dexterous. Accessed 28 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on dexterous

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