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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

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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 D’Angelo, the neo-soul trailblazer and modern visionary whose three albums were widely acclaimed as masterful works of art, died on Tuesday. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 14 Oct. 2025 Not to mention exciting, unputdownable novels by Quan Barry, Anna North, Adam Johnson, and a selection of compelling and masterful stories by Thomas McGuane. Julia Hass, Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2025 Mendoza led a masterful 12-play, 75-yard touchdown drive to regain the lead. Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025 Just a masterful performance from this elite pass rush. Joe Nguyen, Denver Post, 12 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for masterful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for masterful
Adjective
  • Kirk Baxter’s arrhythmic cutting is designed around quicksilver shifts that, along with Barry Ackroyd’s restlessly attentive, mostly handheld camerawork, allow Bigelow to redirect our attention with virtuoso command.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This feels more important than ever in a world that tries to normalize genocide and climate catastrophe as the inevitable outcome of ongoing and increasingly authoritarian imperialist projects.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Oct. 2025
  • In all of our studies, this mindset was also strongly associated with authoritarian attitudes, including beliefs that some groups should dominate others and support for autocratic government.
    Abraham Rutchick, The Conversation, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Some might see you as arrogant.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Jackson returns as Wes Bryant, a handsome, intelligent, but arrogant man who had just moved to Seattle and was revealed to be a new medical intern at Grey Sloan.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Regardless, what’s left is an undeniably skillful and often thrilling performance, wrapped in a clever script.
    Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 21 Oct. 2025
  • The ability to win puck battles in dirty areas and make skillful plays in tight spaces is still there.
    Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • They are also considered expert navigators and have returned to some of the same grasslands for thousands of years.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Continue reading … 'ADMITTEDLY UNUSUAL' – Teacher's 23-stab-wound death ruled suicide again despite expert claims of homicide.
    , FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Her anxiety stems from her domineering mother (Barbara Hershey) and rival dancer (Mila Kunis) who may or may not be after her part in the ballet.
    Steven Thrash, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Oct. 2025
  • And one of the reasons the film doesn’t succeed is Meryl Streep’s grotesque performance as the filterless, domineering matriarch.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The vessel has racked up hundreds of five-star ratings for its superior heat distribution and retention.
    Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
  • The dark moniker was the emperor’s way protect European farmers from the much superior indigo coming in from India.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • No turnovers for the Patriots, who have become adept at protecting the football.
    Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 19 Oct. 2025
  • The rotation, though, was never quite adept in that area at any point in the year.
    Sahadev Sharma, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Masterful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/masterful. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

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