as in masterfully
in a skillful or expert manner
ably maneuvered the boat up to the dock
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of ably
And Mason Yang — who shares the role of Jim Hawkins with Truman Bednar — ably guides us through our protagonist’s transformation.
—
Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 15 Sep. 2025
When the film really flips its tone about halfway through, O’Connor ably carries that twist.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 6 Sep. 2025
This can leave a certain blankness at the film’s center, but Seyfried’s performance ably fills in the emotional details.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2025
At this point in time when AI is on the rise, there is a case for the Fed to be ably assisted by AI, if not completely replaced by it.
—Vipin Bharathan, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ably
Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 15 Sep. 2025
When the film really flips its tone about halfway through, O’Connor ably carries that twist.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 6 Sep. 2025
This can leave a certain blankness at the film’s center, but Seyfried’s performance ably fills in the emotional details.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2025
At this point in time when AI is on the rise, there is a case for the Fed to be ably assisted by AI, if not completely replaced by it.
—Vipin Bharathan, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ably
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ably
Adverb
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The crawlspace at Gacy’s house, masterfully recreated by the production design team, is where the victims’ journeys ended.—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
15 Oct. 2025
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That time-out was just what was needed to establish that her show isn’t too masterfully polished.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
11 Oct. 2025
Adverb
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And Berchtold capably taps into the raw pain underneath Paul’s party-bro exterior, rendering him pitiable if not exactly likable.—
Angie Han,
HollywoodReporter,
14 Oct. 2025
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Can Bub Carrington score more efficiently and defend more capably?—
John Hollinger,
New York Times,
8 Oct. 2025
Adverb
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The six-episode limited series skillfully blends the past and the present.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
22 Oct. 2025
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Burns, who is the White House bureau chief for Politico, skillfully kept the conversation moving, but also interspersed occasional scoop-seeking questions, like whether Emanuel will run for president in 2028.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
10 Oct. 2025
Adverb
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But Miller said overtime can push pay well above six figures, and in some cases past $300,000.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
20 Oct. 2025
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With the game well in hand, Smith was actually trying to sub Zaha out in the 90th minute (and arguably should have done so sooner).—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
19 Oct. 2025
Adverb
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A bit further from the wreckage was a leather purse, jacket and a small pair of brown heeled boots that laid neatly next to a broken and bloody plastic chair.—
Aaron Valdez,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
18 Oct. 2025
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The agreement coincided neatly with the 10th anniversary of her brand.—
Justin Fenner,
Robb Report,
18 Oct. 2025
Adverb
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On the Longhorns’ lone scoring drive, Manning performs competently, but running back Quintrevion Wisner does the heavy lifting with a 37-yard run.—
Jim Barnes,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
11 Oct. 2025
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The selling point of the Conjurings is that they are competently made haunted house movies that reliably feature good set pieces.—
Alison Willmore,
Vulture,
4 Sep. 2025
Adverb
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Wondering how to expertly combine two fall fashion trends?—
Jamie Allison Sanders,
PEOPLE,
17 Oct. 2025
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Captain Maya Le Tissier was at the heart of their steely backline, which midfielders Hinata Miyazawa and Julia Zigiotti Olme expertly screened.—
Tamerra Griffin,
New York Times,
17 Oct. 2025
Adverb
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The Halloween special was tailor-made for a series like Rocko’s Modern Life, which traded deftly in a mix of lunacy and oddly poignant earnestness.—
Daniel Dockery,
Vulture,
17 Oct. 2025
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The Chargers’ second-year receiver has 110 catches and nine touchdowns in his first NFL 22 NFL games, while displaying an ability to deftly escape defenders.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
16 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ably.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ably. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.
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