variants
also dextrous
1
as in skilled
skillful with the hands
the dexterous watchmaker was able to repair the antique watch's delicate gears and parts
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in virtuoso
accomplished with trained ability
dexterous handling of a potentially embarrassing situation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Compared with the seeds of almost every other plant, grass seed is highly palatable, especially for a dexterous ape whose hands can slough off the chaff.
—
Literary Hub, 25 Mar. 2026
Kelly Clarkson Clarkson is the most dexterous singer working today.
—Joey Guerra, Houston Chronicle, 23 Mar. 2026
While the gloves are thin and dexterous enough for reeling, setting tip-ups, and (crucially) cracking open a beer, tasks like tying knots, unhooking fish, and snapping photos will still require bare fingers.
—Harry Spampinato, Outside, 6 Feb. 2026
After a vocal break, the jam ends with Bonamassa playing his own lyrical solo, summarizing everything that came before it with deft, dexterous blues playing.
—Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dexterous
Literary Hub, 25 Mar. 2026
Kelly Clarkson Clarkson is the most dexterous singer working today.
—Joey Guerra, Houston Chronicle, 23 Mar. 2026
While the gloves are thin and dexterous enough for reeling, setting tip-ups, and (crucially) cracking open a beer, tasks like tying knots, unhooking fish, and snapping photos will still require bare fingers.
—Harry Spampinato, Outside, 6 Feb. 2026
After a vocal break, the jam ends with Bonamassa playing his own lyrical solo, summarizing everything that came before it with deft, dexterous blues playing.
—Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dexterous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dexterous
Adjective
-
And their second-best defender, Jaden McDaniels, is skilled at calling the Nuggets’ names.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
25 Apr. 2026
-
While one research study found REIT investments were associated with higher spending on nursing wages, another concluded that after being bought by REITs, nursing homes frequently replaced registered nurses with less skilled nurses and aides.—
Jordan Rau,
Miami Herald,
23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The teacher was Orlandi himself, both an authority on the history of the instrument and a virtuoso performer.—
Tim Parks,
New Yorker,
11 Apr. 2026
-
The French Connection is now mostly remembered for its virtuoso chase scene and Gene Hackman’s charm.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Miami coach Mario Cristobal is known for his skillful recruiting of top prospects.—
Adam Lichtenstein,
Sun Sentinel,
25 Apr. 2026
-
And can that leader evolve and morph over time, hopefully becoming more skillful.—
Neil Senturia,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
While discussing the delicate tone of the show and its balance of being a satire on the Hollywood movie business and a love letter to chasing your dream, Cretton said the creative team focused on character to find their way.—
Borys Kit,
HollywoodReporter,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Also on view are selections from the Macchia series, known for bold color combinations and ruffled edges, and the delicate Seaforms, which evoke underwater life through translucent layers of glass.—
Ginger Crichton,
Midwest Living,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
As Michael moves into solo stardom and makes cunning business moves, the film captures how his seemingly naive idealism was also a form of ambition.—
Spencer Kornhaber,
The Atlantic,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Past friends and former associates described him to me as an exceptionally cunning con man, a consummate charmer, and a womanizer.—
Nate Freeman,
Vanity Fair,
3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
As adroit Mercury starts reversing through your contemplative 12th house, its retrograde invites you to press pause on the cosmic movie in favor of reviewing what’s already happened.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
26 Feb. 2026
-
Girolmo knows exactly what the show needs, and there is a musically adroit and highly personable cast in the not-entirely-Irish persons of Emily Goldberg, the singer-musician Michael Mahler, the fine tenor Luke Nowakowski and Leah Morrow.—
Chris Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Draisaitl drove around the back of the net, sent the puck back down low to Vasily Podkolzin, who sent a deft pass net-front to Kasperi Kapanen, who cashed in.—
Allan Mitchell,
New York Times,
22 Apr. 2026
-
What holds the movie together and gives it meaning is the deft command and high sizzle of Jaafar Jackson’s performance.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Vienna was the artistic—and intellectual—inspiration for national socialism.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Take in its artistic vibe and walls lined with murals, a calm refuge from the outside world.—
Regina Zumarraga,
Travel + Leisure,
27 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dexterous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dexterous. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
