as in masterfully
in a skillful or expert manner
ably maneuvered the boat up to the dock
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Recent Examples of ably
Although the vehicle that Michael, his wife Jodi, and their kids had been using as their home base during the IndyCar season since 2003 had served its purpose ably, the family was looking for something that would make life at the track even more comfortable.
—
Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 18 Dec. 2025
Naturally, with Dudley's help, the bishop eventually rediscovers the true meaning of Christmas, a message that The Bishop's Wife ably passes along to its holiday audience.
—Gwen Ihnat, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Dec. 2025
It’s all done with verve and velocity, ably capturing the Looney Tunes spirit.
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 1 Dec. 2025
Under normal conditions, the Palisade hybrid maneuvered through crowded streets and construction zones ably.
—Mark Phelan, USA Today, 14 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ably
Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 18 Dec. 2025
Naturally, with Dudley's help, the bishop eventually rediscovers the true meaning of Christmas, a message that The Bishop's Wife ably passes along to its holiday audience.
—Gwen Ihnat, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Dec. 2025
It’s all done with verve and velocity, ably capturing the Looney Tunes spirit.
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 1 Dec. 2025
Under normal conditions, the Palisade hybrid maneuvered through crowded streets and construction zones ably.
—Mark Phelan, USA Today, 14 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ably
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ably
Adverb
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Chef Hamir Patel, a one-man show in the kitchen, masterfully pairs Indian cuisine with unexpected flavors including Mexican and Italian influences.—
USA TODAY NETWORK,
USA Today,
11 Feb. 2026
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Director Tony Williams masterfully curates a mood of oppressive dread from the opening minutes through the bloody climax and explosive final frames, making this one of the very best Australian horror films of all time.—
Kevin Jacobsen,
Entertainment Weekly,
31 Jan. 2026
Adverb
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Newsom has capably sensed what Democrats want right now, and is delivering it with a roguish charisma.—
Jonathan Chait,
The Atlantic,
22 Jan. 2026
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While Harmon has capably knocked down her midrange jumper lately, shooting guard Jordan Lee is in the midst of slump.—
Cedric Golden,
Austin American Statesman,
20 Jan. 2026
Adverb
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Fischer skillfully braids the three stories together, situating them in an atmosphere of creative ferment and reckless churn.—
Michael O’Donnell,
The Atlantic,
10 Feb. 2026
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Lamont has so far skillfully navigated the erratic, unilateral and sometimes vengeful policy pronouncements from Washington.—
Kevin Rennie,
Hartford Courant,
7 Feb. 2026
Adverb
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The National Weather Service Sacramento expects cold overnight temperatures early Saturday as well.—
Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado,
Sacbee.com,
20 Feb. 2026
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The galaxies that are so familiar and ubiquitous in our Universe today will die, at least in a sense, as well.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
20 Feb. 2026
Adverb
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Part of the reason that Charli’s voice fits so neatly in what ought to be a radically new context is that her hooks always dominate the instrumentals.—
Harry Tafoya,
Pitchfork,
19 Feb. 2026
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Leveleve Balcony Furniture 5-Piece Patio Conversation Set For truly stretching out and relaxing, this five-piece set includes two chairs with extendable footrests for reclining—then the footrest tuck neatly underneath the chairs when not in use.—
Melanie Fincher,
Better Homes & Gardens,
19 Feb. 2026
Adverb
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Nevertheless, Mustaine’s leadership ensures that Megadeth has all the hallmarks of a competently forgettable Megadeth album.—
Eli Enis,
Pitchfork,
26 Jan. 2026
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Public programs retain support only when voters believe they are competently managed, and this story suggests the opposite.—
Matt K. Lewis,
Mercury News,
13 Jan. 2026
Adverb
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And this season, expertly coiffed va-va-voom volume was everywhere.—
Kara Jillian Brown,
InStyle,
19 Feb. 2026
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First up, halo hair, worn expertly by Rosalía and best described by hairstylist Vale Landro as a circular placement around the top of the head to give the appearance of sainthood.—
Audrey Noble,
Vogue,
19 Feb. 2026
Adverb
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Though not for the faint-hearted, Michael was surprisingly sensitive in its execution, deftly sketching the banal details of the criminal’s otherwise normal, suburban life.—
Damon Wise,
Deadline,
16 Feb. 2026
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But every time Trump takes to social media, angered by drug trafficking – or drone incursions, Sheinbaum Pardo has deftly reminded him of their working partnership, Jacobson said.—
Lauren Villagran,
USA Today,
13 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ably.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ably. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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