masterly

1 of 2

adjective

mas·​ter·​ly ˈma-stər-lē 

1

: suitable to or resembling that of a master

especially : indicating thorough knowledge or superior skill and power

a masterly performance

2

: having the power and skill of a master

… she's masterly at description …

—Caroline Knapp

masterliness noun

masterly adverb

masterliness

2 of 2

noun

mas·​ter·​li·​ness

ˈmastə(r)lēnə̇s, 

-aas-, 

-ais-, 

-ȧs-, 

-lin-

plural -es

: the quality or state of being masterly

Synonyms of masterly

Adjective

• virtuoso
• skillful
• masterful
• expert
• artistic

Examples of masterly in a Sentence

Adjective

She did a masterly job of organizing the conference.

a masterly performance of one of the most difficult ballets in the repertory

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

That the decade’s anniversary is considered worth marking indicates that Bowie’s standing remains undiminished, with an end that came only two days after the release of his final album, the masterly Blackstar. —Alexander Larman, Time, 10 Jan. 2026

The last redoubt was the masterly Structure 27. —Alex Ross, New Yorker, 24 Nov. 2025

The first sixty pages provide a masterly chronological overview of the Peasants’ War. —Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2025

Wolf Hall is the first — and my favorite — of the masterly trilogy which follows the rise of Thomas Crowell, advisor to Henry VIII. —Phillipa Gregory, PEOPLE, 4 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

masterly

adjective

mas·​ter·​ly ˈmas-tər-lē 

: suitable to or resembling a master especially in superior knowledge or skill

masterly adverb