nimble
adjective
nim·ble ˈnim-bəl 
nimbler ˈnim-b(ə-)lər ; nimblest ˈnim-b(ə-)ləst
; nimblest ˈnim-b(ə-)ləst 1
: quick and light in motion : agile
nimble fingers
a nimble climber
2
a
: marked by quick, alert, clever conception (see conception sense 3), comprehension (see comprehension sense 1a), or resourcefulness
a nimble mind
nimble investors
b
: responsive, sensitive
a nimble listener
nothing like playacting to make you nimble in your feelings
Mary Austin
Mary Austin nimbleness
ˈnim-bəl-nəs
noun nimbly
ˈnim-blē
adverb 
Synonyms
- alert
- brainy
- bright
- brilliant
- clever
- exceptional
- fast
- hyperintelligent
- intelligent
- keen
- quick
- quick-witted
- sharp
- sharp-witted
- smart
- supersmart
- ultrasmart
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
possessing a nimble wit, he always has a cutting comeback for any intended insult thrown his way her nimble fingers make knitting look so easy
Recent Examples on the Web My bike felt almost as nimble as when completely bare. James Lynch, Outside Online, 24 Aug. 2022 On defense, despite being shorter for a center, Theis is bulky yet nimble. Tony East, Forbes, 12 Aug. 2022 The Russian army instead leans on blunt force, deploying legacy heavy weaponry like artillery and tanks, and has been less nimble in adapting consumer technology to the battlefield. Andrew E. Kramer, BostonGlobe.com, 10 Aug. 2022 The company has made itself into a global powerhouse by being nimble on its feet and, sometimes, making unpopular decisions. Megha Mandavia, WSJ, 4 Aug. 2022 State and local governments have posted slower wage growth and often have less nimble hiring processes than private employers. Bryan Mena, WSJ, 15 Aug. 2022 The vibe was so infectious that judges Howie Mandel and Simon Cowell couldn’t help but clap along before giving the nimble NFLers a standing ovation. Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 10 Aug. 2022 Boykin combines a low center of gravity with nimble footwork, becoming an all-purpose gamebreaker in the mold of his idol Tavon Austin. Luca Evans, Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2022 His impeccable tone, exquisite phrasing and deeply felt playing are matched by his imagination, exacting command of dynamics and oh-so-nimble touch, whether caressing a note or soaring into the stratosphere. George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Aug. 2022 See More
James Lynch, Outside Online, 24 Aug. 2022 On defense, despite being shorter for a center, Theis is bulky yet nimble. Tony East, Forbes, 12 Aug. 2022 The Russian army instead leans on blunt force, deploying legacy heavy weaponry like artillery and tanks, and has been less nimble in adapting consumer technology to the battlefield. Andrew E. Kramer, BostonGlobe.com, 10 Aug. 2022 The company has made itself into a global powerhouse by being nimble on its feet and, sometimes, making unpopular decisions. Megha Mandavia, WSJ, 4 Aug. 2022 State and local governments have posted slower wage growth and often have less nimble hiring processes than private employers. Bryan Mena, WSJ, 15 Aug. 2022 The vibe was so infectious that judges Howie Mandel and Simon Cowell couldn’t help but clap along before giving the nimble NFLers a standing ovation. Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 10 Aug. 2022 Boykin combines a low center of gravity with nimble footwork, becoming an all-purpose gamebreaker in the mold of his idol Tavon Austin. Luca Evans, Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2022 His impeccable tone, exquisite phrasing and deeply felt playing are matched by his imagination, exacting command of dynamics and oh-so-nimble touch, whether caressing a note or soaring into the stratosphere. George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Aug. 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Middle English nimel, from Old English numol holding much, from niman to take; akin to Old High German neman to take, Greek nemein to distribute, manage, nomos pasture, nomos usage, custom, law
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Kids Definition
nimble
adjective
nim·ble ˈnim-bəl
nimbler; nimblest
1
: quick and light in motion : agile
a nimble dancer
2
: quick in understanding and learning : clever
a nimble mind
nimbleness
noun
as in agility
ease and grace in physical activity that dance routine requires a certain amount of nimbleness and flexibility Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- agility
- flexibility
- spryness
- dexterity
- prowess
- deftness
- coordination
- gracefulness
- litheness
- suppleness
- limberness
- finesse
- handiness
- sleight
- sure-footedness
- adeptness
- adroitness
- loose-jointedness
- sure-handedness
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- clumsiness
- ungainliness
- awkwardness
- gracelessness
- gawkiness
- klutziness
- inability
- disability
- incapacity
- gaucheness
- incapability
- impairment
- ham-handedness
- gawkishness
- incapacitation
- heavy-handedness
- debilitation
- disablement
- unhandiness