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Synonyms

nimbly

American  
[nim-blee] / ˈnɪm bli /

adverb

  1. with quick, light, easy movement.

    Our daughter sits on the ground plucking dandelions, her long brown fingers nimbly weaving them into a chain.

  2. in a way that shows quick thinking or understanding, as in making appropriate adjustments, devising or carrying out plans, etc..

    Local governance is often flexible and community based, enabling municipalities to respond to evolving conditions more nimbly than larger and slower-moving state governments.


Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of nimbly

nimb(le) ( def. ) + -ly

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.

See Examples For:

Bettan delivers his song, a lovestruck ballad called Michelle, with sincerity and passion, nimbly moving into his falsetto over a mix of electronic beats and Middle Eastern instrumentation.

From BBC May 15, 2026

David was a political chameleon who nimbly navigated a volatile epoch while remaining an artist of the highest professionalism.

From The Wall Street Journal Dec. 29, 2025

This popemobile is a gas, a great ride that veers nimbly between smart and silly.

From Los Angeles Times Jan. 24, 2025

The agency is in dire need of upgraded data analysis systems, Lurie says, which would help it more nimbly manage the brush fire of a contagious disease before it gets out of control.

From Science Magazine Nov. 26, 2024

The giant growled and charged at Hazel, but Arion nimbly darted out of the way.

From "The Son of Neptune" by Rick Riordan

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