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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 The film explores the rise of political partisanship and corporate control of the media, and shows how Oliphant used biting wit and masterful draftsmanship to take on the powers that be. World Premiere. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 7 May 2025 The exhibition explores the evolution of Black dandyism in a masterful way. Taryn Finley, Refinery29, 6 May 2025 Only a Game 3 slipup at home (5-1) marred what was otherwise a masterful performance, keeping the league-leading Lightning (1st in NHL in goals) to just 12 goals in five games. Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 May 2025 Thanks for all the laughs, the Kiki, the listening hear, shoulder the cry, the reading for filth, the masterful shade and endless love. Marc Berman, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for masterful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for masterful
Adjective
  • From 2019 to 2020, the authoritarian petrostate paid $115,000 a month to now–Attorney General Pam Bondi and her firm to lobby on its behalf.
    Yair Rosenberg, The Atlantic, 15 May 2025
  • The congressman sharply criticized President Donald Trump’s foreign policy, accusing him of prioritizing personal spectacle and showing admiration for authoritarian leaders.
    Heather Hunter, The Washington Examiner, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • By losing some of its arrogant charm, Doom has also lost the means to back it up.
    Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 15 May 2025
  • For example, when a man in his sixties talks about the same thing, he’s seen as calm and logical, but when a woman in her twenties talks about it, she’s seen as arrogant or trying to act mature.
    Billboard Japan, Billboard, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • Newton’s jewels are alive with her mastery of design, composition, skillful use of materials, and an instinct for creating irresistible objects.
    Kyle Roderick, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
  • The show’s real draw is its cast, which expands to include Matthew Rhys as a troubled detective, and a skillful adaptation that highlights the glossiest, cleverest elements of classic Christie—and adds a pinch of eros.
    Judy Berman, Time, 30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The long-running film franchise first started with 1993's Sniper starring Tom Berenger as expert American gunner Thomas Beckett.
    Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 10 May 2025
  • Subscribe to the Life Kit newsletter for expert advice on love, money, relationships and more.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 8 May 2025
Adjective
  • The trial had revealed Blue Cross’ domineering behavior.
    T. Christian Miller, ProPublica, 12 Apr. 2025
  • As mild-mannered schoolteacher Mr. Lisbon, James Woods plays a quiet counterpoint to his domineering wife.
    Sezin Devi Koehler, EW.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The list is ranked alphabetically, so Tigers and Jayhawks won’t be able to fight over the superior college town this time.
    Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 14 May 2025
  • The result is not only a potential pathway to carbon neutrality but also a cleaner-burning fuel that has already demonstrated superior visible emissions in tests.
    Afdhel Aziz, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • This approach ensures not only a solid initial return but also ongoing growth in value as your organization becomes adept at harnessing the full potential of agentic AI.
    Sanjay Gidwani, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
  • Turn the transparency down a notch and the headphones are pretty adept at passing through sound otherwise.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 6 May 2025
Adjective
  • Despite her formidable workload as Dior’s artistic director of women’s collections, Chiuri has also taken on a personal project: restoring a historic theater in her hometown.
    Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 14 May 2025
  • The partners are co-developing the project with plans to lock casting and pre-production by year’s end before cameras roll in Q1 2026. MAP, established in 2015, has built an portfolio blending commercial success with artistic credibility.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 13 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Masterful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/masterful. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

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