dextrous
Skilled with hands
Dextrous is a less common spelling of dexterous, meaning skillful with the hands or nimble in movement: a dextrous juggler, dextrous fingerwork on the piano.
The word extends to mental agility—a dextrous argument is cleverly constructed.
Both spellings derive from the Latin for "right-handed," reflecting old associations between the right hand and skill.
Manually agile and precise
- handyUseful and nearby
- preciseExactly correct, no error
- coordinatedArranged to work together
- steady-handedFree from trembling
manipulation · grip · grasp · fingering · touch · handling · sleight of hand · prestidigitation
Highly capable, well-versed
- proficientHaving practiced ability
- skilledHaving learned ability
- masterfulHighly skilled and authoritative
- accomplishedHighly skilled, expert
expert · competent · practiced · polished · capable · talented · facile · versatile
Quick and light-moving
- agileLimber and quick-moving
- spryLively despite years
- litheSupple and graceful
- suppleFlexing without damage
graceful · flexible · limber · quick · light-footed · fleet · acrobatic · swift
Mentally or physically nimble
- ingeniousCleverly original in design
- resourcefulSkilled at solving problems
- shrewdPractically clever, perceptive
- astuteMentally sharp, discerning
quick-witted · tactful · diplomatic · subtle · sharp · savvy · artful · strategic
nimble-fingered
Manually agile and precise
- handyUseful and nearby
- preciseExactly correct, no error
- coordinatedArranged to work together
steady-handed · manipulation · grip · grasp · fingering · touch · handling · sleight of hand · prestidigitation · legerdemain
adept
Highly capable, well-versed
- proficientHaving practiced ability
- skilledHaving learned ability
- masterfulHighly skilled and authoritative
accomplished · expert · competent · practiced · polished · capable · talented · facile · versatile · deft
nimble
Quick and light-moving
supple · graceful · flexible · limber · quick · light-footed · fleet · acrobatic · swift · lissome
adroit
Mentally or physically nimble
- ingeniousCleverly original in design
- resourcefulSkilled at solving problems
- shrewdPractically clever, perceptive
astute · quick-witted · tactful · diplomatic · subtle · sharp · savvy · artful · strategic · calculating
dextrousclumsy
Lacking physical coordination
awkward · fumbling · ham-fisted · uncoordinated · ham-handed
dextrousmaladroit
Lacking physical deftness
unskillful · inept · incompetent · bungling · unskilled