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

• 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

There are states that confer ownership of property after many years of a steward ably working the land. —Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2025

New York City, which is the U.S.’s Paris, ably vivifies this truth. —John Tamny, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025

The Poland international stepped in ably when Gabriel was ruled out in April, and barely put a foot wrong in big games such as the two-legged ties against Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain. —James McNicholas, New York Times, 30 July 2025

Buddy’s actually the city’s 32nd mayor and presided ably during the darkest chapter in city history in 2016 when 49 people were murdered at the Pulse nightclub. —Scott Maxwell, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 July 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