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.

The challenge of developing a robust, dexterous and affordable hand was underlined by Tesla-boss Elon Musk, when he spoke at the All-In Summit in Los Angeles in September of last year.

From BBC • Feb. 12, 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

Someday they could, in theory, pick up a welder or a grinding tool, but making them dexterous enough is a huge challenge.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 9, 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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