Definitions

dexterous

[dek-struhs, -ster-uhs] / ˈdɛk strəs, -stər əs /

ADJECTIVE

ingenious, proficient

Synonyms

WEAK

able active acute adept adroit agile apt artful canny clever crack crackerjack deft effortless expert facile handy having the know-how masterly neat nimble nimble-fingered prompt quick savvy skilled skillful slick sly smooth

Antonyms

WEAK

awkward clumsy inept inexpert unable unhandy unskilled

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Increasingly dexterous robots have proven themselves capable of performing choreographed dances, participating in races, and even able to land backflips.

From Barron's • May 29, 2026

Nuts require dexterous hands to handle and access.

From Slate • Jan. 25, 2026

Nevertheless, “Bug” is ingeniously structured to stoke suspense, and Mr. Cromer’s impeccable production accentuates the dexterous manner by which Mr. Letts makes plausible its harrowing climax.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 9, 2026

“It’s an incredibly difficult thing, especially to create a hand that is as dexterous and capable as the human hand,” said Tesla CEO Elon Musk during an October earnings call.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 27, 2025

She could not bend the last two fingers on her left hand, and the others would never again be dexterous.

From "A Game of Thrones" by George R.R. Martin

Vocabulary lists containing dexterous

Twelfth Night

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Pro Tips: Synonyms for "Skilled"

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Talk Like Shakespeare Day, List 5

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