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
As Harry, Northeast Minneapolis product Nick Dillenburg ably captures a man who worries his best days are behind him, while Ryan Hallahan brings a wise and wary air to Draco.
—
Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 30 Apr. 2026
After all, Denver has all five starters back from last year, is paying all of them handsomely and has built a developmental group in Palczewski, Crum and Forsyth behind that have all stepped into games ably.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 15 Apr. 2026
Saturday’s second episode, for which ratings dipped slightly, featured a cold open roasting the former Prince Andrew and was ably steered by host Jamie Dornan, who appeared in sketches including a horror comedy about Jools Holland.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 30 Mar. 2026
String player Matt Worley often stole the spotlight, making his banjo sound like a mandolin, while cellist Barney Morse-Brown ably covered the bass role, plucking the strings more often than bowing them.
—Thor Christensen, Dallas Morning News, 19 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ably
Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 30 Apr. 2026
After all, Denver has all five starters back from last year, is paying all of them handsomely and has built a developmental group in Palczewski, Crum and Forsyth behind that have all stepped into games ably.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 15 Apr. 2026
Saturday’s second episode, for which ratings dipped slightly, featured a cold open roasting the former Prince Andrew and was ably steered by host Jamie Dornan, who appeared in sketches including a horror comedy about Jools Holland.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 30 Mar. 2026
String player Matt Worley often stole the spotlight, making his banjo sound like a mandolin, while cellist Barney Morse-Brown ably covered the bass role, plucking the strings more often than bowing them.
—Thor Christensen, Dallas Morning News, 19 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ably
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ably
Adverb
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The interiors here masterfully combine European luxury with Mongolian influence, and every guest room has floor-to-ceiling windows.—
Mae Hamilton,
Travel + Leisure,
10 June 2026
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Instead, our ability to fully engage the future of marketing media hinges on our ability to masterfully contextualize the human truths of the here and now.—
Dr. Marcus Collins,
Forbes.com,
7 June 2026
Adverb
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Boston College transfer Omar Thornton also is an accomplished safety, but UM used him primarily at nickel cornerback this spring, a role handled capably last season by Keionte Scott, who’s now with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
11 June 2026
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More recently, the philosopher Richard Rorty capably defended patriotism, whereas Martha Nussbaum continues to seek its curtailment.—
Arthur Krystal,
New Yorker,
25 May 2026
Adverb
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Late-race contact with another competitor pushed his car into the wall and caused heavy suspension damage, but Rasmussen skillfully held the lead until eight laps to go.—
Bruce Martin,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2026
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One attendee noted that Power even skillfully covered for a castmate who’d messed up his lines.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
26 May 2026
Adverb
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According to sources, Thomas was asked to appear as well but ultimately decided not to participate.—
Joe Otterson,
Variety,
12 June 2026
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However, the unselfish captain has led MLS in assists so far, which may still bode well for South Korea.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
12 June 2026
Adverb
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For Staying Organized A sleek passport holder delivers polished, frequent-flyer energy while keeping travel essentials neatly in one place.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
11 June 2026
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The two parts of the job can’t neatly be separated.—
Rogé Karma,
The Atlantic,
11 June 2026
Adverb
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Why can’t San Francisco’s officials competently replace its trash cans?—
Steven Greenhut,
Washington Post,
6 May 2026
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This long-standing failure of the media to report competently on Fed actions will hobble attempts to return to monetary policy sanity in the months and years ahead.—
Edward Lotterman,
Twin Cities,
3 May 2026
Adverb
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From the singing to the silence that comes when Lucija’s lost in thought and desire, Djukić expertly crafts a tangible atmosphere of yearning that aches with youthful restlessness.—
David Opie,
IndieWire,
4 Dec. 2025
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Playwright Ephron examines that question and expertly mines the humor and pain of her situation.—
Mary Damiano,
Miami Herald,
2 Dec. 2025
Adverb
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Holmes deftly paired the above red hue with a denim maxi skirt and white T-shirt, while Aniston took a sportier approach, styling the khaki green version with leggings and a tank top.—
Annie Blackman,
InStyle,
14 June 2026
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For three and a half years, Dougherty deftly handled the case, guiding the public through a frustrating competency system and finally a trial that ended with life in prison without the possibility of parole.—
The Denver Post Editorial Board,
Denver Post,
8 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ably.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ably. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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