DEFTLY Synonyms: 36 Similar and Opposite Words

deftly

adverb

Definition of deftly

as in masterfully

in a skillful or expert manner the company spokesperson deftly sidestepped the investigative reporter's questions

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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 deftly Pawlikowski is also the director of the 2013 Ida, as well 2018’s Cold War, pictures that, like this one, deftly balance postwar Eastern Bloc realities with the truth that all humans strive for connection and belonging. — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 23 Oct. 2026 John Steinbeck wrote Cathy Ames, the antagonist of his novel East of Eden, as the embodiment of original sin, and in Zoe Kazan’s Netflix adaptation, Florence Pugh deftly channels the character’s ambition and cynicism. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026 Just about all of their artistry is exerted on the script, which deftly intercuts between the time frames, advancing their plots in episodes that, though tersely dramatic, are superficial in their efficiency. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 15 Oct. 2026 The director, Sanchez, deftly leads the effort with invisible but subtly effective staging, ensuring that the family banter propels the flow. — Bill Hirschman, Sun Sentinel, 13 Oct. 2026 The first half focuses on the early entrepreneurial years, deftly incorporating archival footage with the usual talking heads. — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 11 Oct. 2026 Matching my best safari sightings over the years, the sight of a mother helping her calf deftly navigate the mighty Zambezi and clamber up the muddy banks moves me to tears. — Charukesi Ramadurai, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2026 The British Film Institute chair has continued to deftly straddle two enormous jobs in European film and TV. — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026 A couple of those are easily forecast, but the crucial one is fiendishly spring-loaded, deftly shifting the stakes of the whole enterprise, and testing Mark’s integrity both as a man and as a politician. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deftly

Adverb

The narrative winds in and out of time, masterfully jumping between past and future with no consideration to chronology.

— Sky Davis, Christian Science Monitor, 13 Oct. 2026
Ahluwalia x Puma Blending the designer’s Indian-Nigerian culture with Puma’s legendary sportswear designs, this partnership masterfully resulted in a colorful, chic athleisure capsule.

— Virginia Corneli, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of masterfully

Adverb

Telhou uses primal shouts to keep the herd together, while Saâdia uses a slingshot contraption to skillfully throw stones at straying goats.

— Jen Murphy, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Oct. 2026
When daily life can feel quite bruising and fractious, documentaries skillfully encourage us to let our guard down and connect with real-life stories and people… sometimes challenging, often invigorating, and always meaningful.

— Matthew Carey, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of skillfully

Adverb

The trend marks a stark turn from earlier this decade, when sellers often received well above their asking price as home shoppers empowered by rock-bottom mortgage rates fueled a buying frenzy that sent home prices soaring.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
Technique works well in testing This strategy optimizes both the transport and perovskite layers together, driving efficiency and durability to record levels.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of well

Adverb

This work is considered the first of its kind to neatly package elements of vampirism into a single piece of fiction.

— Maria Papadouris, JSTOR Daily, 20 Oct. 2026
Building a data center that fits neatly into an existing grid provides little opportunity for a utility to make new money.

— Jeffrey Kopp,MacKenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of neatly

Adverb

The overtones of social significance are adroitly handled and make real sense in an era of tragic international quarrels.

— THR Staff, HollywoodReporter, 28 Sep. 2026
Rams architects Les Snead and Sean McVay can still adroitly motivate a player without pressing too hard.

— Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026

Definition of adroitly

Adverb

Lace was expertly placed with thoughtful trims and underlays to create detailed masterpieces.

— Shelby Wax, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026
Hadid wore the Vivaia Carol Jogger Sneakerinas on a chopper ride, expertly styling them with a beige barn jacket, little black dress, and suede shoulder bag.

— Annie Blackman, InStyle, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of expertly

Adverb

The rest of the filmmaking, too, is content to coast at a lower difficulty setting, from the proficient but anonymously taupe lensing by master DP Robert Elswit to an untested ensemble of ever-watchable actors playing capably to type.

— Guy Lodge, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026
And there was also a favorable response on Saturday to Amazon/MGM’s Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother, an action-thriller led capably by Mahershala Ali.

— Scott Feinberg, HollywoodReporter, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of capably

Browse Nearby Words

deft

deftly

deftness

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“Deftly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deftly. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of deftly

adverb

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