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 former Liverpool winger then picked out Mostafa Ziko, who finished ably. — Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 7 July 2026 To Jordan Flowers, the executive director of the Disclosure Foundation, the film ably dramatizes what his organization has been trying to tell the general public ever since those modern whistleblowers started coming forward ten years ago. — Erin Vanderhoof, Vanity Fair, 19 June 2026 England's squad is spearheaded by Harry Kane, who is ably supported by the likes of Reece James, Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, and Anthony Gordon. — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 17 June 2026 As the slightly more sensible Tess, Ginger Minj is the glue of the production, ably carrying the heavy burden of turning the very silly storyline into something broadly coherent. — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for ably

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ably

Adverb

The narrative winds in and out of time, masterfully jumping between past and future with no consideration to chronology.

— Sky Davis, Christian Science Monitor, 13 Oct. 2026
Ahluwalia x Puma Blending the designer’s Indian-Nigerian culture with Puma’s legendary sportswear designs, this partnership masterfully resulted in a colorful, chic athleisure capsule.

— Virginia Corneli, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of masterfully

Adverb

The rest of the filmmaking, too, is content to coast at a lower difficulty setting, from the proficient but anonymously taupe lensing by master DP Robert Elswit to an untested ensemble of ever-watchable actors playing capably to type.

— Guy Lodge, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026
And there was also a favorable response on Saturday to Amazon/MGM’s Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother, an action-thriller led capably by Mahershala Ali.

— Scott Feinberg, HollywoodReporter, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of capably

Adverb

When daily life can feel quite bruising and fractious, documentaries skillfully encourage us to let our guard down and connect with real-life stories and people… sometimes challenging, often invigorating, and always meaningful.

— Matthew Carey, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2026
Baseball serves as a test platform for these underlying capabilities, with dexterous manipulation, the ability to handle objects skillfully and reliably, remaining the larger objective.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of skillfully

Adverb

The Horned Frogs also have one of the country’s best tight ends in Kari Ashley, who has been a breakout star.

— Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Oct. 2026
The cosmonauts plonked down on November 19th, 1965 in the Midlands market town of Rugby, a cultural backwater best known for the sport, the school, and wartime poet Rupert Brooke, in that order.

— Gabriel Szatan, Pitchfork, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of well

Adverb

This work is considered the first of its kind to neatly package elements of vampirism into a single piece of fiction.

— Maria Papadouris, JSTOR Daily, 20 Oct. 2026
Building a data center that fits neatly into an existing grid provides little opportunity for a utility to make new money.

— Jeffrey Kopp,MacKenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of neatly

Adverb

But their ability to competently run a city, connecting directly with local needs, often sets them up for national politics.

— Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2026
Nor does Moshe appear a natural action director, as the setpieces here are just competently staged rather than harrowing, and overall tension goes slack on occasion.

— Dennis Harvey, Variety, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of competently

Adverb

Lace was expertly placed with thoughtful trims and underlays to create detailed masterpieces.

— Shelby Wax, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026
Hadid wore the Vivaia Carol Jogger Sneakerinas on a chopper ride, expertly styling them with a beige barn jacket, little black dress, and suede shoulder bag.

— Annie Blackman, InStyle, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of expertly

Adverb

John Steinbeck wrote Cathy Ames, the antagonist of his novel East of Eden, as the embodiment of original sin, and in Zoe Kazan’s Netflix adaptation, Florence Pugh deftly channels the character’s ambition and cynicism.

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026
His predecessor, Tim Cook, gained stature on the world stage as a power broker deftly navigating global politics, markets, and supply chains.

— Andrew R. Chow, Time, 15 Oct. 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 22 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of ably

adverb

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