DEXTEROUS Synonyms: 83 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

dexterous

adjective

ˈdek-st(ə-)rəs

variants also dextrous

Definition of dexterous next

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

as in skillful

accomplished with trained ability dexterous handling of a potentially embarrassing situation

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 dexterous Early on, there’s a verbally dexterous number about a Scrabble star, then a solo for that unverifiable informant, and later a puzzling group number for a story set at the Wailing Wall. —

Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 6 Feb. 2024 It's also fitted out with dexterous hands to expand its capabilities to more delicate tasks, like handling small items with both mitts. —

New Atlas, 20 Dec. 2024 And boy did Spurs expose them, chiefly via the dexterous genius that is Dejan Kulusevski and the rejuvenated James Maddison. —

Tim Spiers, The Athletic, 25 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 See all Example Sentences for dexterous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dexterous

Adjective

Reed’s ability to work with younger players also has come in handy this season.

— Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2025
Connections is released at midnight in your local time zone, so be sure to check back with Newsweek each day for more handy hints and answers.

— Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025