ably

adverb

ˈā-b(ə-)lē 

: in an able and skillful manner : with ability, skill, or proficiency

was ably assisted

This silly comic Christmas romp is ably performed by a cast of 22 actors, led by the high-spirited Danny McBride as the childlike Buddy.

—Matthew Yde

Last year, she ably completed a half-marathon run with only minimal training.

—Zachary Lewis

Synonyms of ably

• masterfully
• capably
• skillfully
• well
• neatly
• competently
• expertly
• deftly
• artfully
• adroitly
• proficiently

Examples of ably in a Sentence

ably maneuvered the boat up to the dock

Recent Examples on the Web

Under normal conditions, the Palisade hybrid maneuvered through crowded streets and construction zones ably. —Mark Phelan, USA Today, 14 Nov. 2025

Twigs ably fills the role but is not given the kind of acting showcase Cage has here. —Pete Hammond, Deadline, 11 Nov. 2025

Under normal conditions, the Palisade hybrid maneuvered through crowded streets and construction zones ably. —Mark Phelan, Freep.com, 11 Nov. 2025

Veteran offseason free-agent addition Jaylon Moore took his place, starting ably for the Chiefs in victories over the Lions and, in last Sunday’s Week 7 matchup, the Las Vegas Raiders. —Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for ably

• bubbly
• doubly
• stably

Kids Definition

ably

adverb

ˈā-blē

: in an able manner