DEFT Synonyms: 84 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

deft

adjective

ˈdeft

Definition of deft next

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

as in dextrous

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 deft Their presence here reinforces what is already obvious: that Duccio displayed a deft hand at combining and recombining motifs and styles from others’ art, then putting his own spin on them. —

Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 11 Oct. 2024 Elkin is deft but clear in reminding readers that there’s a distinction between badness and evil, or badness and hate. —

Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 8 Oct. 2024 Remembering Brownsville-native Kris Kristofferson Remembering Brownsville-native Kris Kristofferson 01:14 Kris Kristofferson, a Rhodes scholar with a deft writing style and rough charisma who became a country music superstar and A-list Hollywood actor, has died. —

CBS News, 30 Sep. 2024 This one is in the deft hands of Christophe Mittnacht, a biodynamic pioneer in the region. —

Lana Bortolot, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for deft

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deft

Adjective

Both versions delivered a skillful cocktail of laughs and scares without true paranormal activity.

Anupama Chopra, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Nov. 2024
Also, Cignetti’s skillful use of NIL resources to help build a talented roster has been remarkable.

Mark LaSota, Ph.D., Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024