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ably

adverb

ˈā-b(ə-)lē How to pronounce ably (audio)
Definition of ablynext
as in masterfully
in a skillful or expert manner ably maneuvered the boat up to the dock

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
  1. masterfully
  2. capably
  3. skillfully
  4. well
  5. neatly
  6. competently
  7. expertly
  8. deftly
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
  • 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
  • Bryant capably replaced Will Campbell as the starting left tackle for one practice, and continues to be solid in 1-on-1 pass rush.
    — Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of capably
Adverb
  • 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
  • The film skillfully repurposes its clips and is not above snark.
    — Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of skillfully
Adverb
  • Carrick knew, though, that his team should have managed the game better after Mbeumo’s goal.
    — Stuart James, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Novo Nordisk is testing whether wastewater from pharmaceutical production can be cleaned well enough to be used again in the manufacturing process, potentially cutting the company’s water consumption by half.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of well
Adverb
  • His punchy, slightly cornball charm, combined with a winning smile that neatly masked his Nixonian ambition, cemented Mulroney’s status as a modern Canadian politician, someone willing to lead the nation through the 1980s into an uncertain future.
    — Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 14 Sep. 2026
  • This approach assumes human behaviors fit neatly into predetermined blocks.
    — Pratik Bhadra, Forbes.com, 14 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
  • Her incompatibility is expertly and efficiently illustrated in an immediate fallout with Gordon’s brash but lovable brother, Heavy (Justin Rosniak), who Ash gets along with swimmingly.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 10 Sep. 2026
  • This is a quietly devastating, expertly realized portrait of a crumbling mind.
    — Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of expertly
Adverb
  • In opening up the film, Miller deftly brings to life characters only mentioned in the play.
    — Caryn James, HollywoodReporter, 13 Sep. 2026
  • The third-year quarterback has deftly handled the pressure from Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.
    — Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of deftly

Browse Nearby Words

abluted
ably
abnegate
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Cite this Entry

“Ably.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ably. Accessed 17 Sep. 2026.

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