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 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

The Hisense 65-inch E7 Series masterfully blends MiniLED precision with 144-hertz gaming performance.

— Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 11 Aug. 2026
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

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

My servers, Simon Yun and Michael Richards, skillfully handled busy dining rooms from the first seating on a Friday evening to the last seating on a Tuesday night.

— Louisa Kung Liu Chu, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026
At this unassuming spot in Jardim Botânico, Sudbrack skillfully uses a traditional clay oven to draw remarkable flavors from the simplest of seasonal, fresh, and local ingredients.

— Mikael Castro, Travel + Leisure, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of skillfully

Adverb

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
Final Thoughts The Beatbot Sora 70 can competently clean your pool's floor, walls, platforms, and surface.

— John Mihaly, PC Magazine, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of competently

Adverb

The All Blacks' set-piece was reliable and inside backs Josh Jacomb, Anton Lienert-Brown and Ioane expertly set up chances wide out.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
But Hathaway is the glue that holds both movies together, expertly charting Andy's journey from reluctant assistant to ruthless ladder climber to crusading editor.

— Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of expertly

Adverb

That concision is evident in an almost brutally economical edit and in sharp, precise writing which provides narrative elements and deftly sketches character before moving busily on.

— Caspar Salmon, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026
Aristide deftly brings her parallel storylines ever-closer until lives converge in the satisfying finale.

— Monitor reviewers, Christian Science Monitor, 21 Aug. 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 25 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of ably

adverb

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