adroit

adjective

ə-ˈdrȯit How to pronounce adroit (audio)
Definition of adroitnext
as in virtuoso
accomplished with trained ability with an adroit flick of the wrist, flipped the omelet into the air and landed it squarely back in the pan

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word adroit different from other adjectives like it?

The words deft and dexterous are common synonyms of adroit. While all three words mean "ready and skilled in physical movement," 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

When might deft be a better fit than adroit?

Although the words deft and adroit have much in common, deft emphasizes lightness, neatness, and sureness of touch or handling.

a surgeon's deft manipulation of the scalpel

In what contexts can dexterous take the place of adroit?

The words dexterous and adroit can be used in similar contexts, but 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 adroit As Powell — one of Capitol Hill’s most adroit navigators — made his rounds, Republicans on both sides of the Capitol panned the investigation. — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 13 Jan. 2026 The OptiPlex 7020 is one in its nearly endless line of business towers, and this one has a surprisingly adroit loadout in terms of components. — PC Magazine, 11 July 2025 Naturally, Moore is formidable, acing an English accent and exhibiting an adroit sense of comic timing. — Alison Herman, Variety, 5 Apr. 2024 The adroit reshufflings of narrative and perspective in ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ and ‘Poor Things’? — Michael Ordoña, Los Angeles Times, 18 Nov. 2023 See All Example Sentences for adroit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adroit
  1. virtuoso
  2. skillful
  3. masterful
  4. expert
  5. delicate
  6. dexterous
  7. artistic
  8. deft
Adjective
  • Every day, the virtuoso violinist plays for an audience of travelers, with his stage in the pedestrian tunnel that links the CTA and parking garages to the terminals.
    — Noel Brennan, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Through 107 career games, Minten’s profile has leaned more toward dependable cello player than virtuoso first violinist.
    — Fluto Shinzawa, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of virtuoso
Adjective
  • But be that guy that can be skillful, a bruiser, fast and tough.
    — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Sep. 2026
  • As Musashi scrambles through a school of Samurai, the game seamlessly bounces between skillful swordplay, rowdy improvisation, and Looney Tunes-style levity.
    — Zackery Cuevas, PC Magazine, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of skillful
Adjective
  • But the masterful mash-ups and West Coast flavor added some razzle-dazzle.
    — Adelle Platon, VIBE.com, 24 Oct. 2026
  • In a masterful unbroken shot, Klaus is on the phone from France with his sister, expressing his bottomless anguish.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of masterful
Adjective
  • There are saunas, hot tubs, steam rooms, and—most importantly—expert trainers and therapists who guide all guests through a journey of deep relaxation and rejuvenation.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The sarcophagus has been on display at Westminster Abbey for more than 150 years, with occasional breaks for expert analysis, most recently in 2018, when the abbey was preparing to display it in the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries.
    — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of expert
Adjective
  • Instead of relying on a gritty scrub (which can be harsh on delicate lip skin), Obagi’s Lip Therapy AHA+PHA Smoothing Micro-Peel uses three exfoliating acids—glycolic, lactic, and gluconolactone—to gently loosen buildup and smooth rough texture.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 21 Oct. 2026
  • In Shanghai, a look that defines the cultural moment is quickly emerging, with delicate fabrics and softer silhouettes channeling Chloé’s 1970s bohemian chic taking the lead.
    — Denni Hu, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of delicate
Adjective
  • Students were able to test out the robot, trying to complete such dexterous tasks as removing a Starburst candy from its wrapper and tying knots.
    — Cam'ron Hardy, Chicago Tribune, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Baseball serves as a test platform for these underlying capabilities, with dexterous manipulation, the ability to handle objects skillfully and reliably, remaining the larger objective.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of dexterous
Adjective
  • Every artistic development, every milestone, every disappointment, every dream and aspiration has a root deep within you.
    — Dash Lewis, Pitchfork, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Its artistic details include mirrors by Giovanni Botticelli and Paola Paronetto, and an imposing sculpture on one wall by Hans Schule.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of artistic
Adjective
  • But then James Bond strode into the pages of popular culture, dapper and deft.
    — Scott Simon, NPR, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Unfortunately, Mascis has developed a similar reputation as an interview subject, quietly sitting and offering deft nonanswers.
    — Terrence O'Brien, The Verge, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of deft

Browse Nearby Words

adrift
adroit
adroitly
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Cite this Entry

“Adroit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adroit. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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