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
And, speaking of music, Wheeler is ably assisted by an acoustic duo known as Northern Shores, underscoring the story with Celtic elements.
—
Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2026
The casting does fantastic worldbuilding, ably finds an actor who can take on a very tricky role, and reminds us all of how good Ralph Fiennes looks in a red hat.
—Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 2 Feb. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for ably
Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2026
The casting does fantastic worldbuilding, ably finds an actor who can take on a very tricky role, and reminds us all of how good Ralph Fiennes looks in a red hat.
—Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 2 Feb. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for ably
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ably
Adverb
-
All of it proved how masterfully the chefs have managed to combine the flavors of distinct world cultures.—
Food Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Mar. 2026
-
As the more mercurial of the two, Culkin masterfully navigates an excellent character arc, taking an outspoken nuisance and giving him thoughtful nuance on a Holocaust tour.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
4 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
The Broncos are high on rising third-year tackle Frank Crum, who filled in capably in spot snaps in 2025 when McGlinchey was temporarily banged up.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
7 Mar. 2026
-
The wacky characters and stretchy action of the franchise were capably brought to life in a candy-colored world, and it was renewed for a second season almost immediately.—
K. Thor Jensen,
PC Magazine,
6 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
With the Ducks in desperation mode, Kreider skillfully redirected Jacob Trouba’s shot from the point for the 21st goal of his first season with Anaheim.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Mar. 2026
-
With the Ducks in desperation mode, Kreider skillfully redirected Jacob Trouba's shot from the point for the 21st goal of his first season with Anaheim.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
7 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
The ensemble is so well put together, however, that one’s interest never lags.—
Graham Hillard,
The Washington Examiner,
13 Mar. 2026
-
There is a growing perception that some schools are frequently tampering and that knowledge compels other schools to tamper as well to avoid being placed at a competitive disadvantage.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
12 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
To these critics, the pitfalls of feminist politics—that jealously guarded privileges of race and class keep women from uniting in the interests of their gender—are neatly symbolized in Stanton’s story.—
Moira Donegan,
New Yorker,
13 Mar. 2026
-
At its end, Páez framed the debate neatly.—
Emiliano de Pablos,
Variety,
11 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
Nevertheless, Mustaine’s leadership ensures that Megadeth has all the hallmarks of a competently forgettable Megadeth album.—
Eli Enis,
Pitchfork,
26 Jan. 2026
-
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
-
Here are details on the most mouth-watering drizzles of Asian sesame dressing, and the sad pours that are sure to wreck even the most expertly made food.—
Jolene Thym,
Mercury News,
3 Mar. 2026
-
The difference between dancers executing steps expertly and accurately and dancers truly dancing depends on an alchemy of light, costumes, dancers, choreography, audience, and the whole spirit of the production.—
Jennifer Homans,
New Yorker,
2 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
Among a standout cast in Kenneth Lonergan's stirring family drama, Affleck deftly navigates a whole range of emotions as a contentious Boston handyman and black sheep of his New England hometown.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
9 Mar. 2026
-
As your host, Lizzie Burder makes for very enjoyable company, deftly mixing child-like enthusiasm with just enough frantic dread to convince you that this whole operation could turn dangerous at any moment.—
Rob Hubbard,
Twin Cities,
7 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ably.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ably. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
