as in masterfully
in a skillful or expert manner
an administrator who can deal with the problems quickly and proficiently
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Recent Examples of proficiently
Perhaps the most controversial policy is holding back third graders who cannot read proficiently.
—
Theara Coleman, TheWeek, 14 Jan. 2026
Over 75% of the student body at Eastway speaks a first language other than English, with many students who do not yet speak English proficiently.
—Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 4 Sep. 2025
In an October news release announcing the partnership, district officials said the long-term goal will focus on ensuring all students can read proficiently by third grade and pave the way for success for the rest of their academic careers.
—Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Sep. 2025
Theara Coleman, TheWeek, 14 Jan. 2026
Over 75% of the student body at Eastway speaks a first language other than English, with many students who do not yet speak English proficiently.
—Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 4 Sep. 2025
In an October news release announcing the partnership, district officials said the long-term goal will focus on ensuring all students can read proficiently by third grade and pave the way for success for the rest of their academic careers.
—Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proficiently
Adverb
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Director Tony Williams masterfully curates a mood of oppressive dread from the opening minutes through the bloody climax and explosive final frames, making this one of the very best Australian horror films of all time.—
Kevin Jacobsen,
Entertainment Weekly,
31 Jan. 2026
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Fuerza Regida masterfully blends heartbreak and dangerous rumors into one gripping track.—
Tere Aguilera,
Billboard,
30 Jan. 2026
Adverb
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This 2026 reissue of the sneaker features a slim shape and a low profile—skillfully tapping into the current hype surrounding nostalgic slim sneakers.—
Katharina Fuchs,
Glamour,
1 Feb. 2026
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De Araújo lived through a similar trauma and skillfully maps the chasm between parents who want to protect their kid’s innocence and a girl who needs answers.—
Amy Nicholson,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Jan. 2026
Adverb
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While flat structures work well in many systems, one-dimensional forms offer advantages in applications that require fast transport or mechanical reinforcement.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
30 Jan. 2026
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If its welfare state is too cushy, or its climate policies too green – well, nobody’s perfect.—
Christian Edwards,
CNN Money,
30 Jan. 2026
Adverb
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Newsom has capably sensed what Democrats want right now, and is delivering it with a roguish charisma.—
Jonathan Chait,
The Atlantic,
22 Jan. 2026
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While Harmon has capably knocked down her midrange jumper lately, shooting guard Jordan Lee is in the midst of slump.—
Cedric Golden,
Austin American Statesman,
20 Jan. 2026
Adverb
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Nevertheless, Mustaine’s leadership ensures that Megadeth has all the hallmarks of a competently forgettable Megadeth album.—
Eli Enis,
Pitchfork,
26 Jan. 2026
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Public programs retain support only when voters believe they are competently managed, and this story suggests the opposite.—
Matt K. Lewis,
Mercury News,
13 Jan. 2026
Adverb
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Dooley did not fit neatly into either camp.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Jan. 2026
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Symmetrical Throw Pillows Having two identical pillows placed neatly on either side of a sofa is the safest—and most uninteresting—choice.—
Angelika Pokovba,
Martha Stewart,
28 Jan. 2026
Adverb
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Barnes ably defended Atlanta big man Kristaps Porziņģis for a good chunk of the first half on Monday, despite playing with two fouls.—
Eric Koreen,
New York Times,
6 Jan. 2026
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While leaning on Robbins’ style for its dance interludes — kudos to choreographer Maija Garcia for deftly capturing his movement vocabulary and the performers for so ably executing it — the script’s structure seems more an homage to Tennessee Williams.—
Rob Hubbard,
Twin Cities,
20 Dec. 2025
Adverb
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His ability to play with genre in the most unexpected way shines through in this gripping story which expertly subverts your expectations in the most thrilling and surprising way.—
Alex Ritman,
Variety,
29 Jan. 2026
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This wooden armoire makes a statement in any room while expertly disguising so much additional storage space.—
Rachel Trujillo,
PEOPLE,
28 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Proficiently.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proficiently. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
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