Someone who is dexterous is very skilful and clever with their hands.
As people grow older they generally become less dexterous.
...a dextrous blues pianist.
Synonyms: skilful, able, expert, quick More Synonyms of dexterous
More Synonyms of dexterous
dexterous in British English
or dextrous (ˈdɛkstrəs)
adjective
1.
possessing or done with dexterity
2. a rare word for right-handed
Derived forms
dexterously (ˈdexterously) or dextrously (ˈdextrously)
adverb
dexterousness (ˈdexterousness) or dextrousness (ˈdextrousness)
noun
dexterous in American English
(ˈdɛkstərəs; ˈdɛkstrəs)
adjective
1.
having or showing skill in the use of the hands or body
2.
having or showing mental skill
SYNONYMY NOTE: dexterous implies an expertness, natural or acquired, demonstrated in the ability to do thingswith skill and precision [a dexterous mechanic]; adroit adds to this a connotation of cleverness and resourcefulness and is now generallyused of mental facility [an adroit evasion]; deft suggests a nimbleness and sureness of touch [a deft seamstress]; handy suggests skill, usually without training, at a variety of small tasks [a handy man around the house]
OPPOSITES: clumsy, awkward, inept
Derived forms
dexterously (ˈdexterously)
adverb
dexterousness (ˈdexterousness)
noun
Word origin
dexter + -ous
Examples of 'dexterous' in a sentence
dexterous
Bridget made tea for them both and came and watched as the sweep turned and furled his brushes with a dexterous competence.
Salley Vickers INSTANCES OF THE NUMBER 3 (2002)
It was a very dexterous kill, and she had to have the training.
Barnard, Robert DEATH IN PURPLE PROSE (2002)
Despite his decrepit appearance, Barlow was as dexterous as a monkey.
Wilson, Bob STONE THE CROWS, IT'S A VACUUM-CLEANER (2002)
1 (adjective)
Definition
possessing or done with dexterity
As people grow older they generally become less dexterous.
Synonyms
skilful
able
expert
quick
masterly
active
the tragedy of an active mind trapped by failing physical health
neat
He had the neat movements of a dancer.
handy
Are you handy with a needle?
apt
She was never a very apt student.
ingenious
a truly ingenious invention
adept
deft
Her movements were neat and deft.
nimble
Lily, who was light and nimble on her feet, was learning to tap-dance.
proficient
agile
He is not as strong and agile as he was at 20.
adroit
nimble-fingered
2 (adjective)
Definition
possessing or done with dexterity
the composer's dextrous manipulation of pauses and silence
Synonyms
able
They are bright, intelligent, able and confident.
skilled
skilled workers, such as plumbers
expert
The faces of the waxworks are modelled by expert sculptors.
masterly
They gave a masterly performance.
clever
My father was very clever with his hands.
practised
a practised and experienced surgeon
accomplished
one of the most accomplished authors of our time
versed
Page is versed in many styles of jazz.
skilful
his skilful use of light and shade
adept
He is an adept guitar player.
masterful
a masterful performance of boxing
proficient
Many Egyptians are proficient in foreign languages.
adroit
She is a remarkably adroit politician.
tasty (British, informal)
Additional synonyms
in the sense of accomplished
Definition
expert or proficient
one of the most accomplished authors of our time
Synonyms
skilled,
able,
professional,
expert,
masterly,
talented,
gifted,
polished,
practised,
cultivated,
tasty (British, informal),
skilful,
adept,
consummate,
proficient
in the sense of active
Definition
busy and energetic
the tragedy of an active mind trapped by failing physical health