masterly

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

Synonyms of masterly

• virtuoso
• skillful
• masterful
• expert
• artistic

Examples of masterly in a Sentence

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

Gilligan’s trademark cold opens, which can transport us halfway around the world or introduce new characters, remain a masterly way of calibrating suspense. —Judy Berman, Time, 27 Oct. 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

This masterly music might have languished in obscurity—like most of Riley’s other records, which remain high-price rarities in the vinyl market—but for Columbia’s reach. —William Robin, New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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