dexterity

noun

dek-ˈster-ə-tē How to pronounce dexterity (audio)
Definition of dexteritynext
1
as in ability
mental skill or quickness the ambassador showed great dexterity in his handling of the touchy situation

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in agility
ease and grace in physical activity the juggler needed lots of dexterity in order to keep all five balls in the air at the same time

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 dexterity In addition to more familiar events drawn from human ​sports, robots will ⁠compete in EV charging, restaurant work, emergency incident handling and hand-dexterity contests. — Reuters, NBC news, 23 Aug. 2026 Augmental says MouthPad is best suited for people over 18 who have enough tongue dexterity to operate it. — Jesse Watson , Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 Aug. 2026 And yet, another sport may also explain Lombard’s defensive dexterity. — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 14 Aug. 2026 All three musicians played virtuosically, and all three wielded their astounding dexterity to drag against the grain of pop appeal. — Sasha Geffen, Pitchfork, 2 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dexterity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dexterity
  1. ability
  2. agility
  3. prowess
  4. talent
  5. proficiency
  6. finesse
  7. aptitude
  8. competence
Noun
  • Minnesota signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2025, and his ability to play numerous positions keeps him on the roster.
    — Alec Lewis, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The volume of options can outrun the firm’s ability to commit.
    — Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of ability
Noun
  • The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 ranks EI skills like resilience, flexibility, agility, leadership, social influence, motivation, and self-awareness as among the top ten most desirable skills.
    — Kevin Kruse, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Newport Harbor, the three-time defending Sunset League champion, flashed its speed and agility throughout the victory, but especially on its first two touchdowns.
    — Dan Albano, Oc Register, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of agility
Noun
  • Hyppolite’s big-play prowess, along with a solid night from running back John Gray, led the way as North Miami Beach easily handled North Miami 27-7 to improve to 2-0 on the season.
    — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Meanwhile, Mikael Wood waxed on Parton’s storytelling prowess in her music.
    — Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of prowess
Noun
  • During his seven-year tenure at the agency, Caoduro advised leading international fashion and luxury brands across global communications, media and corporate strategy and talent engagement.
    — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Ultimately, genetics and talent establish the ceiling, but the evidence suggests a supportive sibling ecosystem helps alchemize raw potential into greatness, and the sibling that benefits most is the one that comes later.
    — Douglas Robson, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of talent
Noun
  • Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools saw student proficiency rise above its pre-pandemic rate for the first time, as did the state average.
    — Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Skills also need to be defined with proficiency levels across different roles.
    — Tonushree Mondal, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of proficiency
Noun
  • With finer hair, however, the cut itself requires a bit more finesse.
    — Lucy Binder, Glamour, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Brent Waller’s love shines through, as does the Lego designers’ finesse.
    — Matt Gardner, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of finesse
Noun
  • This position — especially once assistant head coach Frank Smith arrived — requires immense mental aptitude.
    — Alec Lewis, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • How could King draw with such aptitude and still struggle to talk?
    — Laura Preston, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of aptitude
Noun
  • Achievement provides relief but no lasting evidence of competence.
    — Sandro da Silva, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Whatever our party affiliation or political views, Americans should appreciate Roosevelt’s ingenuity, determination and confidence and applaud Eisenhower’s competence, planning and stewardship.
    — John T. Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of competence

Browse Nearby Words

dewy-eyed
dexterity
dexterous
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dexterity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dexterity. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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