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 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 The exhibition still ably singles out punk artists and groups with Jewish heritage like the Patti Smith Group, Blondie, Richard Hell, the Dictators and Suicide, as well as band managers, label executives, club owners and photographers who were part of the scene. — Siran Babayan, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2026 Driver ably brings the heartbreak in Paper Tiger, though Johansson’s no slouch in a less ornate but no less harrowing role that involves her character having a health scare and having to develop a very different perspective on the future. — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 17 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for ably

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ably

Adverb

While traditional tailoring and minimalist silhouettes dominated the red carpet, prospects masterfully personalized their looks.

— Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
Son moved fast, especially up the left wing, and arced balls masterfully into the corners of the net.

— E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 24 June 2026

Definition of masterfully

Adverb

Directed by brothers Drew and Eric Dowdle, who capably remade REC (2007) as Quarantine (2008), The Poughkeepsie Tapes makes up for its occasional lapses in realism with its utterly disturbing portrayal of pure evil.

— Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 7 July 2026
Meanwhile, a flashback, set vaguely in the Before Times, presents a girl playing with the ragdoll Jessie, a cowgirl and aspirant sheriff, voiced enthusiastically and most capably by Joan Cusack.

— Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 27 June 2026

Definition of capably

Adverb

The best way to maximise corners then is variety and tweaking existing approaches, which several teams have done well at this World Cup.

— Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 14 July 2026
The Hawks downed the Celtics 102-90, putting up their most well-rounded offensive outing.

— Lauren Williams, AJC.com, 14 July 2026

Definition of well

Adverb

Getty Images Key Facts During Manhattanhenge, the sunset point is neatly positioned between skyscrapers in Manhattan, New York City.

— Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
Feelings from optimism to selfishness to lust are all neatly captured with song and dance.

— Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 6 July 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

After an initial flurry, Yanez expertly countered, dropping the former champion with precise right hands.

— Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 12 July 2026
The wood frame is expertly crafted, handpainted, and kiln-dried to prevent splitting, cracking, or developing mildew.

— Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 July 2026

Definition of expertly

Adverb

But its ability to tolerate discomfort is its strength, particularly through its most original figure—Dahl’s friend and publisher Tom Maschler, deftly portrayed by Elliot Levey.

— Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 9 July 2026
The Dodgers responded in the top of the 11th with a great defensive play from a pitcher of their own, as Edgardo Henriquez deftly snagged a comebacker and began an inning-ending 1-6-3 double play.

— Kyle Glaser, Oc Register, 7 July 2026

Definition of deftly

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abluted

ably

abnegate

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“Ably.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ably. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of ably

adverb

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