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View synonyms for deft

deft

[ deft ]

adjective

, deft·er, deft·est.
  1. deft hands;

    a deft mechanic.



deft

/ dɛft /

adjective

  1. quick and neat in movement; nimble; dexterous


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Derived Forms

  • ˈdeftly, adverb
  • ˈdeftness, noun

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Other Words From

  • deft·ly adverb
  • deft·ness noun
  • un·deft adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of deft1

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English; variant of daft

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Word History and Origins

Origin of deft1

C13 (in the sense: gentle): see daft

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Synonym Study

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Example Sentences

That’s partly because of the Franco-Malagasy artist’s deft oil-painting technique, which is as classical as her outlook is contemporary.

They sculpt believable, identifiable characters with a few deft strokes of dialogue, which not only permits us to empathize with them but gives the cast a boost in making them all into fully formed, three-dimensional human beings.

Bolsonaro is not going to change — no one expects him to suddenly become a deft manager of the pandemic — but circumstances around him might.

From Vox

As with the Fiat 500X, the high seating and deft placement of side pillars help with driver visibility.

In deft transitions, each monologue bleeds into the next — a subtle but potent choice that literalizes the conversation the play hopes to facilitate.

This deft, delicately wrought story is Murakami at his best.

Conversation starter: will that Financial Times piece about his data kill our deft and dashingly accented Prince Oberyn?

Bush was particularly deft at offering irresistible new programs and activities at steep, steep discounts.

His deft hand with makeup and eyebrow grooming has made him somewhat of a Hollywood legend.

What at first seems simply a deft homage comes to assume a dismal complexity.

With a deft movement the conductor unhooks the board, and calmly walks away with it under his arm.

Recovering his breath, Jim snatches the knife at his side, and with a few deft strokes releases the metal.

Nina had a vision of Prothero standing over the little thing, his long deft hands trembling as he performed this office.

Then, with deft fingers, she shook them loose while the man came suddenly close to her, his eyes studying her face in surprise.

With a deft twist and flip he tossed the open noose over his prisoner's upheld wrists and jerked it tight.

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gallimaufry

[gal-uh-maw-free ]

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defs.deftly