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

BofA expects a rapid evolution of major humanoid-robot components, such as the vision system and the dexterous hand.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

But dexterous paws are only half the story.

From Slate • Jan. 25, 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

I lifted my foot and opened the book with it, using my dexterous toes to turn the pages until I got to page twenty-three.

From "Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus" by Dusti Bowling

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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