deftly

adverb

Definition of deftlynext
as in masterfully
in a skillful or expert manner the company spokesperson deftly sidestepped the investigative reporter's questions

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 deftly Aouar turns, sliding the ball through to Mahrez, who deftly finished past goalkeeper Alexander Schlager. — Eduardo Tansley, New York Times, 28 June 2026 But on the resulting corner kick, France gets the ball to Mbappé who deftly weaved between defenders for the first goal of the game. — Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 30 June 2026 Holmes deftly paired the above red hue with a denim maxi skirt and white T-shirt, while Aniston took a sportier approach, styling the khaki green version with leggings and a tank top. — Annie Blackman, InStyle, 26 June 2026 Twenty years ago, Swift broke through as a rising Nashville star, before quickly, and deftly, pulling off the ultimate crossover pivot en route to becoming the biggest pop star on the planet. — Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 29 June 2026 Sittenfeld deftly situates the problems of patriarchy and class politics within an intimate, decades-long love story—and what is more American than that potent mix? — Hannah Jocelyn, New Yorker, 1 July 2026 But the real coup is Dippold's command of tone, deftly pivoting between nightmarish, surreal, wickedly funny, and soul-stirring modes, sometimes within single scenes. — Samantha Highfill, Entertainment Weekly, 6 July 2026 Drawing upon the fine dining experience of both Chef Gabon and partner Celine Wuu (who deftly manages the floor), Naides serves an original interpretation of Filipino cuisine in the form of a stylishly modern tasting menu. — Linda Zavoral, Mercury News, 25 June 2026 Even though Clinton’s remarks Saturday received muted response on cable news due to the heatwave and Trump’s excesses, online the former President deftly tapped into the shifts among Democrats for a more combative approach to curb MAGA. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 4 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deftly
  1. masterfully
  2. skillfully
  3. well
  4. artfully
  5. neatly
  6. adroitly
  7. expertly
  8. capably
Adverb
  • While traditional tailoring and minimalist silhouettes dominated the red carpet, prospects masterfully personalized their looks.
    — Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
  • Son moved fast, especially up the left wing, and arced balls masterfully into the corners of the net.
    — E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 24 June 2026
Definition of masterfully
Adverb
  • In one of prettiest team goals of this tournament, Ayase Ueda skillfully found Ritsu Doan, who threaded it to Maeda.
    — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 26 June 2026
  • The staff knows the menu and wine list back to front, and buzz around the dining room quickly and skillfully.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 June 2026
Definition of skillfully
Adverb
  • Below, browse through lots of loafers fit for easy summer dressing and well beyond.
    — Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 7 July 2026
  • In a statement, an AT&T spokesperson said modern alternatives to copper hold up better during disasters and said landline service wouldn’t be discontinued until at least June 1, 2027.
    — Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 7 July 2026
Definition of well
Adverb
  • The result is a bed that looks tidy and composed rather than slept-in—artfully arranged, and frankly, a little pleased with its own posture.
    — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 1 July 2026
  • The new owner, Jasen Mark, snapped it up four years ago, then spent $8 million to turn a rundown resort into a new five-star property that artfully straddles modern amenities and a nostalgic embrace of simpler times.
    — Todd Plummer, Robb Report, 19 June 2026
Definition of artfully
Adverb
  • The country's spring lines up neatly with the American fall, and both islands come alive with wildflowers and blossoms as temperatures climb through November, all before the summer crowds arrive.
    — Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • The hallmarks of cobalt poisoning fit the woman’s array of symptoms neatly.
    — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 2 July 2026
Definition of neatly
Adverb
  • 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
  • Shrines, Puzzles, and a Sprawling World The Adventures of Elliot adroitly fuses sharp combat with intricate puzzle-solving, further cementing the Zelda feel.
    — Gabriel Zamora, PC Magazine, 18 May 2026
Definition of adroitly
Adverb
  • Van de Ven expertly went for the ball, and no foul was called even though Hakimi took a tumble.
    — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 30 June 2026
  • Mexico City, a global gastronomic mecca, expertly blends vibrant street food with pioneering fine dining.
    — Carinne Geil Botta, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Definition of expertly
Adverb
  • Meanwhile, a flashback, set vaguely in the Before Times, presents a girl playing with the ragdoll Jessie, a cowgirl and aspirant sheriff, voiced enthusiastically and most capably by Joan Cusack.
    — Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 27 June 2026
  • Backed by tens of thousands of raucous fans in the Los Angeles area, Bosnia capably hung with Switzerland into the second half — until the hydration break led to a moment of brilliance from Manzambi, a 20-year-old Geneva native who plays for German club Freiburg.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 June 2026
Definition of capably

Browse Nearby Words

deft
deftly
deftness
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Cite this Entry

“Deftly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deftly. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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