ABLY Synonyms: 36 Similar and Opposite Words

ably

adverb

ˈā-b(ə-)lē

Definition of ably

as in masterfully

in a skillful or expert manner ably maneuvered the boat up to the dock

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of ably To Jordan Flowers, the executive director of the Disclosure Foundation, the film ably dramatizes what his organization has been trying to tell the general public ever since those modern whistleblowers started coming forward ten years ago. — Erin Vanderhoof, Vanity Fair, 19 June 2026 England's squad is spearheaded by Harry Kane, who is ably supported by the likes of Reece James, Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, and Anthony Gordon. — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 17 June 2026 As the slightly more sensible Tess, Ginger Minj is the glue of the production, ably carrying the heavy burden of turning the very silly storyline into something broadly coherent. — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 9 June 2026 The Whitecaps ably replaced four players – three sidelined by injury — who made large contributions to the playoff win. — Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for ably

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ably

Adverb

The Soundcore Select 4 Go pairs an adventure-proof IP67 design with exceptional 20-hour battery life masterfully.

— Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 10 Sep. 2026
Turning for home, jockey Manny Franco masterfully guided Leading Change off the rail and into the clear outside the still leading Napoleon.

— Danny Brewer, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of masterfully

Adverb

And there was also a favorable response on Saturday to Amazon/MGM’s Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother, an action-thriller led capably by Mahershala Ali.

— Scott Feinberg, HollywoodReporter, 20 Sep. 2026
This is a budget loadout, but the Intel Core i3 processor is a solid little performer that capably manages Web browsing, spreadsheets, document creation and more without breaking a sweat.

— K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of capably

Adverb

These nine classics skillfully keep audiences guessing while depicting different kinds of waking nightmares, making the protagonists’ traumas our own for a few entertaining hours.

— David Faris, TheWeek, 14 Sep. 2026
Comedy lends itself perfectly to this, and our writers and director have skillfully women in elements that help achieve this aim.

— Kevin Giraud, Variety, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of skillfully

Adverb

Being dependable sometimes means choosing one thing and doing it well.

— Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 20 Sep. 2026
Her committed advocacy is well known; her brilliance in recognizing a constellation of facts and weaving them together to find solutions is another part of her legacy.

— Susan Daria Landino, Hartford Courant, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of well

Adverb

Whole lives are neatly bound in tidy language, conveyed within the confines of a page or two.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2026
Payment Availability Is Expanding With Digital Commerce Business activity does not always fit neatly inside traditional banking hours.

— Karen Koehler, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of neatly

Adverb

Nor does Moshe appear a natural action director, as the setpieces here are just competently staged rather than harrowing, and overall tension goes slack on occasion.

— Dennis Harvey, Variety, 10 Sep. 2026
While there are lots of things most people can competently do on their own, filing for bankruptcy is not one of them.

— Jay L. Zagorsky, The Conversation, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of competently

Adverb

In other cases, people can still walk along Roman routes, such as the Appian Way, which features some of the original volcanic stones that the Romans expertly laid.

— Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2026
And a stellar Paulson expertly exudes snide arrogance, until Sandra breaks open entirely.

— Natalia Winkelman, Variety, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of expertly

Adverb

Hasan deftly handles political seriousness and an unfathomable history and present of war and punitive state violence against Palestinians.

— Matthew Carey, Deadline, 21 Sep. 2026
The story also deftly draws on spirituality rooted in the Islamic tradition — a nod to Akin’s religious upbringing.

— Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of deftly

Browse Nearby Words

abluted

ably

abnegate

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“Ably.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ably. Accessed 23 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of ably

adverb

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