MASTERFUL Synonyms: 278 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'masterful' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of masterful are domineering , imperative , imperious , and peremptory . While all these words mean "tending to impose one's will on others," masterful implies a strong personality and ability to act authoritatively. // her masterful personality soon dominated the movement

Q: When could 'domineering' be used to replace 'masterful'?

The words domineering and masterful are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, domineering suggests an overbearing or arbitrary manner and an obstinate determination to enforce one's will. // children controlled by domineering parents

Q: When is 'imperative' a more appropriate choice than 'masterful'?

While in some cases nearly identical to masterful , imperative implies peremptoriness arising more from the urgency of the situation than from an inherent will to dominate. // an imperative appeal for assistance

Q: In what contexts can 'imperious' take the place of 'masterful'?

In some situations, the words imperious and masterful are roughly equivalent. However, imperious implies a commanding nature or manner and often suggests arrogant assurance. // an imperious executive used to getting his own way

Q: When is it sensible to use 'peremptory' instead of 'masterful'?

Although the words peremptory and masterful have much in common, peremptory implies an abrupt dictatorial manner coupled with an unwillingness to brook disobedience or dissent. // given a peremptory dismissal

masterful

adjective

ˈma-stər-fəl

Definition of masterful next

as in virtuoso

accomplished with trained ability a masterful performance of a difficult piece for the violin

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in domineering

fond of ordering people around a masterful coworker who liked to tell other people how to do their jobs

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in arrogant

having a feeling of superiority that shows itself in an overbearing attitude a masterful businesswoman who didn't hesitate to step on a lot of people as she climbed the ladder of success

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in skillful

having or showing exceptional knowledge, experience, or skill in a field of endeavor a president who was celebrated as a masterful communicator of his administration's policies

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word masterful distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of masterful are domineering, imperative, imperious, and peremptory. While all these words mean "tending to impose one's will on others," masterful implies a strong personality and ability to act authoritatively.

her masterful personality soon dominated the movement

When could domineering be used to replace masterful?

The words domineering and masterful are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, domineering suggests an overbearing or arbitrary manner and an obstinate determination to enforce one's will.

children controlled by domineering parents

When is imperative a more appropriate choice than masterful?

While in some cases nearly identical to masterful, imperative implies peremptoriness arising more from the urgency of the situation than from an inherent will to dominate.

an imperative appeal for assistance

In what contexts can imperious take the place of masterful?

In some situations, the words imperious and masterful are roughly equivalent. However, imperious implies a commanding nature or manner and often suggests arrogant assurance.

an imperious executive used to getting his own way

When is it sensible to use peremptory instead of masterful?

Although the words peremptory and masterful have much in common, peremptory implies an abrupt dictatorial manner coupled with an unwillingness to brook disobedience or dissent.

given a peremptory dismissal

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 masterful Candiace ditched her glitzy Housewives looks in favor of prim and proper twin sets and girlish headbands that conveyed an image of innocence and charm, a masterful choice for a game in which perception is everything. —

Kevin Huynh, InStyle, 19 Feb. 2026 In that respect, Wolfram is a masterful merger of merger of serious social comment and taut, thrilling action, a film where base human cruelty is always somewhere on the horizon, a film that simply reeks of death and decay (there are more flies than Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia). —

Damon Wise, Deadline, 17 Feb. 2026 Brunson was masterful, scoring 37 points and sealing the victory with a tough floater late in the fourth quarter. —

Tom Kludt, Vanity Fair, 17 Feb. 2026 The masterful composer managed to match director George Lucas' vision with an opening theme that fit the bill, announcing the sea change with a blast of brass that no doubt caused first-time viewers to jump in their seats. —

Alex Galbraith, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for masterful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for masterful

Adjective

Slafkovský had two goals and an assist in a virtuoso performance, and Iowa Wild goaltender Samuel Hlavaj was sensational, stopping 39 of 40 shots, including an 18-save first period that gave his team belief that the improbable was possible.

— Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 11 Feb. 2026
McIntosh, a brilliant composer who has a sideline as a virtuoso early-music violinist, revelled in the microtonal shadings that Feldman built into his notation.

— Alex Ross, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026

Definition of virtuoso

Browse Nearby Words

mastered

masterful

masterfully

See all Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

Style

“Masterful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/masterful. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.

Copy Citation

Last Updated: 22 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of masterful

adjective

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on masterful

More from Merriam-Webster

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the Day

culminate

Popular in Grammar & Usage

'Buck naked' or 'butt naked'?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

What’s the difference between ‘cemetery’ and ‘graveyard’?

Popular in Wordplay

Words For Things You Didn't Know Have Names, Vol. 3

Why is the letter ‘Z’ associated with sleeping?

How long is a jiffy?

When do we paint the town red?

17 Words for Dog Breeds

Popular

'Buck naked' or 'butt naked'?

Words For Things You Didn't Know Have Names, Vol. 3

Why is the letter ‘Z’ associated with sleeping?

Games & Quizzes