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
Comfortable at Versailles, devoted to his grandfather, Temple ably acquitted himself of his duties.
—
Stacy Schiff, The Atlantic, 8 Oct. 2025
That usage scenario would have guaranteed a sync conflict a few years ago, but the service’s cloud synchronization ably fielded it this time.
—Rob Pegoraro, PC Magazine, 6 Oct. 2025
As for the sport itself, Safdie illustrates it ably but impersonally.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for ably
Stacy Schiff, The Atlantic, 8 Oct. 2025
That usage scenario would have guaranteed a sync conflict a few years ago, but the service’s cloud synchronization ably fielded it this time.
—Rob Pegoraro, PC Magazine, 6 Oct. 2025
As for the sport itself, Safdie illustrates it ably but impersonally.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for ably
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ably
Adverb
-
If Beale Street Could Talk (2018) Barry Jenkins masterfully adapts James Baldwin’s novel of the same name into the beautiful love story.—
Taryn Finley,
Refinery29,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Vercellino later founded The Lion Heart Experience, a touring company composed of his former students that masterfully fuses storytelling, original music, and painting to inspire self-worth in young audiences.—
Kris Ann Valdez,
Parents,
4 Nov. 2025
Adverb
-
Jimmy Graham and others manned the position capably over the subsequent years, but Kraft was on another level.—
Mike Sando,
New York Times,
3 Nov. 2025
-
However, Poland stressed that its planes handled the situation capably and effectively, and that there was no further cause for concern.—
Peter Aitken,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Oct. 2025
Adverb
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The hotel, which cinched a Michelin Key this year, has 65 rooms and suites that skillfully combine historic Victorian style with modern touches.—
Cat Sposato,
Travel + Leisure,
4 Nov. 2025
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And when wielded skillfully, the very tools that mislead us can help us out of this conundrum.—
Nadav Ziv,
Time,
23 Oct. 2025
Adverb
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Strength, endurance, agility and mental toughness are tested in constantly changing combinations designed to reward the most well-rounded performers.—
NWA Democrat-Gazette,
Arkansas Online,
10 Nov. 2025
-
In Southern cuisine, a main dish is best complemented by a host of incredible side dishes.—
Patricia S York,
Southern Living,
9 Nov. 2025
Adverb
-
And for looking put-together post-red-eye, the Niasso Portable Travel Steamer is $23 (originally $36) and tucks neatly into a weekender.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Nov. 2025
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But Heberlig argued the transportation debate didn’t break down neatly along partisan lines.—
Nora O'Neill,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Nov. 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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Green expertly applies fake eyelashes, thick foundation and a dessert brown eye look, while Messina goes to work piling tight curls atop my head.—
Anna Kaufman,
USA Today,
9 Nov. 2025
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Its gentle formula expertly breaks down makeup without leaving my skin feeling dry and tight.—
Clara McMahon,
PEOPLE,
8 Nov. 2025
Adverb
-
Robotic arms deftly handle ingredients, stir sauces, and serve hot dishes through a take-out window, all without human intervention.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Nov. 2025
-
But Ma has been deftly drawn as a canny realist and problem solver—not the kind of person to indulge in daydreams.—
Tope Folarin,
The Atlantic,
8 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ably.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ably. Accessed 29 Nov. 2025.
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