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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 Inglesby writes sensitive but flinty women with a gentle yet edgy, masterful touch. Grace Byron, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2025 Khaite continues to strike the balance between sharp tailoring and romance, and Altuzarra’s draping was masterful — timeless yet completely of the moment. Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 17 Sep. 2025 Roberts did a masterful job of handling his bullpen to make up for the depleted rotation. John Perrotto, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025 Red Bull secured its first win under the new leadership of Laurent Mekies at the Italian Grand Prix, thanks to a masterful drive from Max Verstappen. Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 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
  • However, the inaugural festival has quickly gained controversy for its association with Saudi Arabia and the country's authoritarian regime.
    Edward Segarra, USA Today, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Next, imagine that those same authoritarian-minded people were recruited by and answer to a president who daily calls for investigations, fines, firings, lawsuits, or worse against any American individual or organization that opposes his policies.
    Patrick Eddington, Oc Register, 25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Jean stepped out as Nia approached—lean and arrogant, a cigarette pinched between her lips.
    David Wright Faladé, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Gil, her nemesis, is hot, arrogant and unfortunately extremely kissable.
    Audrey Goldberg Ruoff, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Ragnar is one of the very best Nordic crime writers, as skillful in thrillers like this series as in murder mystery stories.
    Anders de la Motte, PEOPLE, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Setting boundaries requires a balance of self-awareness and skillful communication.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • For full daily and monthly horoscopes as well as expert readings, see our full Horoscopes experience.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Subscribe to the Life Kit newsletter for expert advice on love, money, relationships and more.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • But as Blitzer points out, the Magnificent 7's domineering influence does not mean the S&P 500 is broken.
    Alex Mayyasi, NPR, 23 Sep. 2025
  • Managers often grow more assertive (sometimes drifting into domineering).
    Dave Winsborough, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This pathway to better understanding so many aspects of the Universe was supposed to continue, driven by new tools, superior developing technology, the next generation of scientists, and a sustained investment in the one endeavor — fundamental science — that benefits all of humankind.
    Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 1 Oct. 2025
  • This initiative will merge Billboard China‘s global clout with Tencent Music’s superior music content in China.
    Billboard China, Billboard, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The Norwegian director Joachim Trier, best known for his Oslo trilogy (including the Oscar-nominated The Worst Person in the World, also starring Reinsve), is remarkably adept at unearthing universal truths from hyperspecific characters.
    Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 20 Sep. 2025
  • Shildt is as proactive (and arguably as adept) as any manager in the game at employing his relievers to navigate victories.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Masterful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/masterful. Accessed 3 Oct. 2025.

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