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

• adeptly
• adroitly
• artfully
• capably
• competently
• consummately
• deftly
• expertly
• masterfully
• masterly
• proficiently
• skillfully
• well

Examples of ably in a Sentence

ably maneuvered the boat up to the dock

Recent Examples on the Web

Director Laura Leffler has helped shape a crisply energetic production that benefits from the clear commitment of a very talented cast of nine that ably executes Joey Miller’s choreographic concoction of movement old and new. —Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 23 May 2025

Graham Potter’s visitors from east London had gone even longer without a league win, since late February, but ably battled through. —Carl Anka, New York Times, 12 May 2025

They’ve been ably aided by Czech VIP coordinator Tatiana Detlofson, and in the past decades the team welcomed Oscar winners, major filmmakers and stars. —Steven Gaydos, Variety, 9 May 2025

Jake Gyllenhaal is excellent in the lead role, and he’s ably assisted by Michelle Monaghan, Vera Farmiga, and Jeffrey Wright. —Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 5 May 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