1
as in virtuoso
accomplished with trained ability
a masterful performance of a difficult piece for the violin
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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
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
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
Adjective
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
-
To his critics, his centralization of power and ruthless purge of opponents put Malaysia on an authoritarian trajectory.—
Charlie Campbell,
Time,
2 May 2025
-
Singapore, for instance, is highly economically free but sharply socially authoritarian.—
Jon Allsop,
New Yorker,
2 May 2025
Adjective
-
The targets of Trump’s economic aggression will accept greater hardship to preserve their dignity than American voters will for the privilege of acting like arrogant menaces.—
David Frum,
The Atlantic,
29 Apr. 2025
-
This feud carries on today, with Hogan having called out Hart for being too arrogant.—
David Faris,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
Then the animators could take over and finish the rest with their skillful photorealism.—
Bill Desowitz,
IndieWire,
18 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
In this sports competition, athletes on the Red Team and the Blue Team put their physical and mental skills to the test against a series of innovative circuits and challenges.—
Armando Tinoco,
Deadline,
8 May 2025
-
His first-period goal was a reminder of his skill and experience: a quality tipped shot that takes years of practice to master.—
Joshua Kloke,
New York Times,
8 May 2025
Noun
-
The arrogance of economics and its myriad equations, charts and numbers is astounding.—
John Tamny,
Forbes.com,
21 Apr. 2025
-
Others were negative traits to avoid, like irritability, arrogance, and combativeness.—
IEEE Spectrum,
IEEE Spectrum,
1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation.—
Toh Gouttenoire,
New York Times,
29 Apr. 2025
-
This begins with behavior change and includes lifestyle interventions and skill-building programs along with expert support for long-term success.—
Scott Paddock,
Forbes.com,
29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
As mild-mannered schoolteacher Mr. Lisbon, James Woods plays a quiet counterpoint to his domineering wife.—
Sezin Devi Koehler,
EW.com,
21 Apr. 2025
-
Among them towers the frighteningly domineering Honoria Glossop.—
Michael Hiltzik,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The partial answer, one that feels weirdly isolated from just about everything else in the show, is that the detention center has a drama program whose teacher (Bat-Chen Sabag) sees something extraordinary in him—the same thing that makes Zoro perceive Dean as superior and thus worth protecting.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
2 May 2025
-
Collectively, these developments point to robotics as a new standard of care—one that delivers superior outcomes for patients facing a wide range of serious conditions.—
Matt Robison,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Masterful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/masterful. Accessed 13 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share