masterful

adjective

mas·​ter·​ful ˈma-stər-fəl How to pronounce masterful (audio)
1
a
: inclined and usually competent to act as master
b
: suggestive of a domineering nature
2
: having or reflecting the power and skill of a master
masterfully adverb
masterfulness noun
Masterful vs. Masterly: Usage Guide

Some commentators insist that use of masterful should be limited to its early "domineering" sense in order to preserve a distinction between it and masterly. The distinction is a modern one, excogitated by a 20th century pundit in disregard of the history of the word. Both words developed in a parallel manner but the earlier sense of masterly, equivalent to the "domineering" sense of masterful, dropped out of use. Since masterly had but one sense, the pundit opined that it would be tidy if masterful were likewise limited to one sense and he forthwith condemned use of masterful to mean "having mastery" as an error. This later sense of masterful, which is slightly older than the sense of masterly intended to replace it, has continued in reputable use all along; it cannot rationally be called an error.

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Some commentators insist that masterful must only mean "domineering," reserving the "expert, skillful" sense for masterly. The distinction is a modern one. In earlier times, the terms were used interchangeably, with each having both the "domineering" and "expert" senses. The "domineering" sense of masterly fell into disuse around the 18th century, however, and in the 20th century the famous grammarian H. W. Fowler decided that masterful should be similarly limited to a single meaning. He summarily ruled that the "expert" definition of masterful was incorrect. Other usage writers followed his lead. But the "expert" meaning of masterful has continued to flourish in standard prose in spite of the disapproval, and, considering the sense's long history, it cannot really be called an error.

Choose the Right Synonym for masterful

masterful, domineering, imperious, peremptory, imperative mean tending to impose one's will on others.

masterful implies a strong personality and ability to act authoritatively.

her masterful personality soon dominated the movement

domineering suggests an overbearing or arbitrary manner and an obstinate determination to enforce one's will.

children controlled by domineering parents

imperious implies a commanding nature or manner and often suggests arrogant assurance.

an imperious executive used to getting his own way

peremptory implies an abrupt dictatorial manner coupled with an unwillingness to brook disobedience or dissent.

given a peremptory dismissal

imperative implies peremptoriness arising more from the urgency of the situation than from an inherent will to dominate.

an imperative appeal for assistance

Examples of masterful in a Sentence

His manner was masterful and abrupt. a masterful work of art He did a masterful job of staying out of trouble.
Recent Examples on the Web
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Beyond their records, Ali and Usyk share other similarities, such as brilliant footwork, masterful defense and an Einstein-level boxing IQ. Anthony Stitt, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025 Known for his signature visual style and masterful tension-building in crime stories, Kim now turns his lens to the glamorous yet cutthroat world of K-Pop, exploring the fierce desires and ambitions that drive it. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 20 July 2025 The film touches on Buckley’s childhood, his prominence in New York’s avant-garde downtown scene in the early 1990s, and his rise to fame with the release of his masterful 1994 debut—and only studio album—Grace. Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 16 July 2025 As for the flip-flop trend, the second part of Carpenter’s masterful styling equation, some of summer’s most popular styles have been elevated through subtle height boosts in the form of kitten heels or platforms and jelly-sandal hybrids that unleash hearty doses of Y2K nostalgia. Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 16 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for masterful

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of masterful was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Masterful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/masterful. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

masterful

adjective
mas·​ter·​ful ˈmas-tər-fəl How to pronounce masterful (audio)
1
: inclined to take control or dominate
2
: having or showing the technical or artistic skill of a master
masterfully adverb
masterfulness noun

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