as in masterfully
in a skillful or expert manner
ably maneuvered the boat up to the dock
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Recent Examples of ably
Marcus Smart, who didn’t take a shot in the first three quarters, ably stepped into an open corner three in the fourth for the first of his seven points down the stretch.
—
Dan Woike, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2026
And Yokohama ably depicts a privileged young man who rightly views his good fortune as both blessing and curse.
—Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026
Walker replaced Smith in the post and ably picked up the slack.
—Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026
And, speaking of music, Wheeler is ably assisted by an acoustic duo known as Northern Shores, underscoring the story with Celtic elements.
—Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ably
Dan Woike, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2026
And Yokohama ably depicts a privileged young man who rightly views his good fortune as both blessing and curse.
—Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026
Walker replaced Smith in the post and ably picked up the slack.
—Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026
And, speaking of music, Wheeler is ably assisted by an acoustic duo known as Northern Shores, underscoring the story with Celtic elements.
—Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ably
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ably
Adverb
-
Nurse Dana—competent, underpaid, indispensable, and increasingly aware of her own leverage—isn’t a supporting character, as masterfully played by the Emmy-winning Katherine LaNasa.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
13 Apr. 2026
-
This contemporary-style home masterfully bridges the indoor and outdoor living experiences.—
Patricia Shannon,
Better Homes & Gardens,
12 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
Both boys testified that Jackson had masturbated in front of them and molested Gavin on several occasions, but Jackson’s defense capably pointed out various inconsistencies in their stories and presented impeaching witnesses.—
Amelia McDonell-Parry,
Rolling Stone,
22 Apr. 2026
-
After all, those are spots capably filled by, in order, Justin Herbert, Cameron Dicker, JK Scott and Josh Harris.—
Elliott Teaford,
Oc Register,
16 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
And Fitzgerald, coming off a magnificent six-interception freshman season, can play nickel skillfully if needed.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
18 Apr. 2026
-
Don’t be fooled by its modest exterior—inside, guests find some of the city’s most skillfully balanced and imaginative drinks, crafted by bartenders who speak spirits fluently.—
Kat Stinson,
Travel + Leisure,
14 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
Isaacman is well suited for leading the space agency during the rise of the commercial space industry, with its large potential profits and much lower launch costs because of reusable rockets.—
Thomas Black,
Mercury News,
24 Apr. 2026
-
The extra Day 3 picks are well worth the acquisition cost for one of the best players in the entire class.—
Parker Gabriel,
Denver Post,
24 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
The National Park Service studied the American Discovery Trail in the mid-’90s and acknowledged that the American Discovery Trail doesn’t fit neatly into any of the existing categories outlined in the National Trails System Act, Mercurio said.—
Jaclyn Cosgrove,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Apr. 2026
-
In what neatly encapsulates the uncomfortable, rude, thin-skinned yet cruel, sarcastic and ultimately juvenile communication style of his online brood, the leader of the pack started with — what else — Lawrence’s looks.—
Kevin Dolak,
HollywoodReporter,
22 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
Outlays old and new need to be justified and competently managed.—
Editorial,
Boston Herald,
17 Apr. 2026
-
Outlays old and new need to be justified and competently managed.—
Bloomberg Opinion,
Twin Cities,
14 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
In the bar, expertly crafted drinks range from classics to cocktails inspired by decades that defined the city, and creative signatures like the fiery Spicy Fifty, a blend of vanilla vodka, honey and red chili pepper that packs a warming punch.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
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The rattan is also expertly woven to prevent breakage over time.—
Paige Bennett,
Better Homes & Gardens,
22 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
The place is a total zoo, especially at the tail end of the week and weekend, but the counter staff juggles it all deftly.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
17 Apr. 2026
-
Romvari deftly synthesizes that kind of quotidian flow, days bleeding into one another as something significant foments at the margins of the everyday.—
Richard Lawson,
HollywoodReporter,
16 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ably.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ably. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.
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