1
as in virtuoso
accomplished with trained ability
a masterful performance of a difficult piece for the violin
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in authoritarian
fond of ordering people around
a masterful coworker who liked to tell other people how to do their jobs
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3
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of masterful
In the track, performed with the masterful voice that characterized him, the artist paints a portrait of male vulnerability, showing a man overcome by a feeling that overwhelms him entirely.
—
Natalia Cano, Billboard, 11 July 2025
But Woo’s masterful performance was not enough for Seattle.
—Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 11 July 2025
Instead, Netanyahu, who is seen as a masterful politician by friends and foes alike, is expected to thread the needle.
—Joseph Krauss, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025
At Somni, amid the parade of courses, there’s beautiful plating and masterful technique: In one dish, a healthy quenelle of caviar is perched upon an impossibly light dashi meringue shaped like a fish.
—Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 6 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for masterful
Natalia Cano, Billboard, 11 July 2025
But Woo’s masterful performance was not enough for Seattle.
—Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 11 July 2025
Instead, Netanyahu, who is seen as a masterful politician by friends and foes alike, is expected to thread the needle.
—Joseph Krauss, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025
At Somni, amid the parade of courses, there’s beautiful plating and masterful technique: In one dish, a healthy quenelle of caviar is perched upon an impossibly light dashi meringue shaped like a fish.
—Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 6 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for masterful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for masterful
Adjective
-
North Korea is under sanctions from the United States — as well as the United Nations and several other countries — largely in response to the isolated authoritarian state's weapons programs.—
Alana Wise,
NPR,
25 July 2025
-
While Western democracies debate environmental reviews and grid reliability, authoritarian systems can rapidly direct energy flows to computing infrastructure.—
Güney Yıldız,
Forbes.com,
25 July 2025
Adjective
-
Christopher McDonald plays Happy’s comically villainous, arrogant rival Shooter McGavin, maestro of the finger guns.—
Skyler Trepel,
EW.com,
25 July 2025
-
In addition to Sandler, the 2025 film also sees the return of several familiar faces, including Julie Bowen as Happy’s love interest, Virginia Venit; Christopher McDonald as Shooter McGavin, Happy’s arrogant nemesis; and Ben Stiller as Hal L., the orderly from Happy’s grandmother’s nursing home.—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes.com,
25 July 2025
Adjective
-
The result is a skillful balance between dewy and glossy, blushy and gleamy.—
Annie Blackman,
Allure,
18 July 2025
-
But despite those skillful trappings, the story soon feels ponderous.—
Dennis Harvey,
Variety,
11 July 2025
Adjective
-
The plaintiffs are also asking Battaglia to strike the testimony of the county’s expert six witnesses.—
Jeff McDonald,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
21 July 2025
-
Following the hollowing-out of the nation’s scientific infrastructure through deep funding cuts and the firing of federal scientists, the executive order is an attempt to rewrite the rules of how our expert bureaucracy operates.—
David Michaels,
The Atlantic,
20 July 2025
Adjective
-
Avoid being domineering, but also avoid being stepped on by someone else.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
25 July 2025
-
My Mom Died is a heartbreaking and hilarious recounting of McCurdy’s struggles as a former child actor while dealing with her overbearing, domineering mother.—
Charley Ross,
Glamour,
2 July 2025
Adjective
-
The Chicago Cubs have been passed up by the Milwaukee Brewers for the National League Central lead, and that's due to the Brewers' superior pitching staff.—
Hunter Mulholland,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 July 2025
-
As a collective, HQ Portfolio stocks provided superior returns with lower risk compared to the benchmark index; a smoother journey, as evidenced in HQ Portfolio performance metrics.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
25 July 2025
Adjective
-
Customer service reps, especially those with experience, are adept at handling these data discrepancies.—
Forbes.com,
Forbes.com,
23 July 2025
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The ants that nest in pots are adept at picking up their colonies and moving them quickly, says Liesch.—
Anne Readel,
Better Homes & Gardens,
18 July 2025
Adjective
-
According to Jacobo Lovo, managing artistic director of Latino Arts, the mural has welcomed thousands of UCC visitors every year.—
Kylie Volavongsa,
jsonline.com,
26 July 2025
-
Because despite dwindling ticket sales and flailing artistic reputation, Trump’s domestic policy bill provides over $250 million to the center, six times the amount normally allocated.—
Christine Ledbetter,
Chicago Tribune,
25 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Masterful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/masterful. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.
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