masterstroke

noun

mas·​ter·​stroke ˈma-stər-ˌstrōk How to pronounce masterstroke (audio)
: a masterly performance or move

Examples of masterstroke in a Sentence

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And with uncertainty surrounding plans for new stadiums in Rome, Milan, Cagliari and Naples, Como’s ambitious plan to rebuild the Sinigaglia in 2028 could prove a masterstroke for the lakeside town. David Ferrini, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025 Trudeau's departure, which handed leadership to the cerebral former central banker Mark Carney, proved a political masterstroke, allowing the party to rebound in the absence of its tarnished standard bearer. Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025 The choice was a political masterstroke that showed the value of world leaders who live like their constituents. Natasha Frost, New York Times, 15 May 2025 The masterstroke here is one of tone with Coel never taking her subject matter anything less than seriously but also not leaning into traditional melodrama or case-of-the-week clichés. Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 18 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for masterstroke

Word History

First Known Use

1679, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of masterstroke was in 1679

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Cite this Entry

“Masterstroke.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/masterstroke. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

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