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

Example 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 By all accounts, Ms. Bissell was a one-woman social network, a deft saloniste who seemed to know everybody of any significance in every field. —

Penelope Green, New York Times, 21 Jan. 2025 Greathead is deft at dishing out such dialogue, too, and chapter after chapter, as George ages and a variety of crises large and small arise, this episodic novel seems a form of first-rate TV sitcom between covers. —

Kendal Weaver, Boston Herald, 13 Oct. 2024 The two beetles face off in battle, until the first manages to get enough leverage to toss his romantic rival off the stump in a deft display of insect jujitsu. —

Ars Technica, 14 Jan. 2025 Austin said Emma Navarro, 23, who jumped from 38th to eighth in 2024, has improved her movement and blends deep balls with deft drop shots. —

Stuart Miller, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for deft

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deft

Adjective

Saros With Returnal, developer Housemarque made the skillful transition from shmup to third-person shooter.

— Jordan Minor, PCMAG, 13 Feb. 2025
My partner’s organization, energy, confidence, focus, and skillful ability to take charge?

— Emma Specter, Vogue, 13 Feb. 2025