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

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of dexterous 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 Williams is at his best and most dexterous in moments like these, the full alchemy between him and Moreno reaching sharp heights, with some witty and unifying soundplay from Steve Schoenbeck’s design. —

David John Chávez, The Mercury News, 4 Oct. 2024 Yamagata University Rover landers and spacecraft alike could be fitted with highly dexterous arms to grab, hook, or even assemble human habitats on the moon, or make repairs to the International Space Station (at least until SpaceX crashes the ISS into Earth). —

New Atlas, 23 Sep. 2024 The Leela Ashtamudi With sloping red-tiled roofing, extensive timber use, and a dexterous mix of architectural styles — vernacular Nālukettu, colonial, and late noughties — the property makes a grand statement. —

Prasad Ramamurthy, Travel + Leisure, 15 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for dexterous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dexterous

Adjective

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