1
as in skill
subtle or imaginative ability in inventing, devising, or executing something
the sheer masterfulness of the thieves' plan could not be denied, even by the police
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in arrogance
an exaggerated sense of one's importance that shows itself in the making of excessive or unjustified claims
the shameless masterfulness that invested his every move was positively galling to his colleagues
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for masterfulness
Noun
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Many attribute his sticking power to his skills as a political operator, which, alongside his inspirational speeches, have earned him comparisons with Winston Churchill.—
Ivana Kottasová,
CNN Money,
20 Feb. 2026 -
Byer, who’s received an Emmy nomination for her hosting skills and is an alumna of the Upright Citizens Brigade, will tape a special this weekend at the Den Theatre.—
Jennifer Day,
Chicago Tribune,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Bridgeman doesn’t speak with arrogance but with a calm, aw-shucks confidence.—
Brody Miller,
New York Times,
23 Feb. 2026
-
Chances are, whether that’s empowerment or arrogance depends on your take on Gu’s national representation.—
Sean Gregory,
Time,
22 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Those who suffer shame as children often cover it up with a false superiority.—
Gail Sheehy,
Vanity Fair,
20 Feb. 2026
-
The physical superiority of lions over humans has been demonstrated throughout human history—the Romans even exploited it for entertainment.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Over thousands of years of history, our propaganda has repeatedly sought to portray ourselves as the plucky underdogs, surviving against huge physical odds by marshaling our intelligence and native cunning against the brute forces of nature.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 Feb. 2026
-
Holding viewers by the throat for a handful of strong beats, even as the script slips through the entire cast’s fingers, the devilish actor sells Besson’s interpretation on charisma and cunning.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
6 Feb. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Masterfulness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/masterfulness. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.
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