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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 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 Marianna Gailus and Sepideh Moafi (The Pitt) ably perform the others, but Jackman is stunning as a man failing to balance love and lust. — Tiffany Kelly, Entertainment Weekly, 22 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for ably

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ably

Adverb

That was the trademark philosophy of legendary interior designer Albert Hadley, who masterfully shaped high-society taste for decades.

— Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 6 Aug. 2026
The action sequences in this film aren’t overpowering, but they are masterfully choreographed.

— Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of masterfully

Adverb

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
His professional background is in private equity, and LAFC, the team he's been with since its founding in 2014, which is widely regarded as one of the most capably run franchises in MLS.

— Becky Sullivan, NPR, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of capably

Adverb

Reggie Bannister, the actor best known for playing the iconic ice cream man Reggie in the Phantasm horror film series, has died peacefully at his home Sunday at 80.

— Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
The former Cardinals coordinator is expected to continue the under-center system with a heavy dose of play-action, a system better suited for Jared Goff than former Cardinals QB Kyler Murray.

— Jacob Robinson, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of well

Adverb

As shoppers seek physical stores this upcoming holiday, retailers need to ensure brick-and-mortar stores are well-staffed and neatly merchandised as well as stocked with in-demand inventory.

— Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 6 Aug. 2026
More Duffel Bags to Shop The Lovevook Garment Duffel Bag is surprisingly roomy, with enough space to pack for a long weekend while keeping dress clothes neatly separated from everything else.

— Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of neatly

Adverb

Unless operated competently such missiles may be worse than useless.

— David Hambling, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
The real issue is whether AI is being implemented transparently, responsibly and accountably — and whether regulators themselves understand these systems well enough to govern them competently.

— Sreedhar Potarazu, Baltimore Sun, 14 June 2026

Definition of competently

Adverb

Writer-director Jesse Eisenberg (A Real Pain, NYFF62), who also wrote the show’s music and lyrics, keeps things expertly balanced on a knife’s edge between musical theater satire and cathartic character study.

— Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026
Expect refined takes on local favorites, to expertly grilled meats and seasonal vegetable dishes, alongside a thoughtful wine list showcasing Greek producers.

— Monica Mendal, Vogue, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of expertly

Browse Nearby Words

abluted

ably

abnegate

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Ably.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ably. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of ably

adverb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on ably

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

gnomic

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

'Gaslighting,' 'Woke,' 'Democracy,' and Other Top Lookups

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes