1
as in virtuoso
accomplished with trained ability
a masterly performance of one of the most difficult ballets in the repertory
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in skillful
having or showing exceptional knowledge, experience, or skill in a field of endeavor
a masterly handling of a complex topic in philosophy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in masterfully
in a skillful or expert manner
a masterly executed somersault
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of masterly
Foreign Affairs, 19 Dec. 2019
His accent was unaccented, and his biking around the city was masterly.
—Hannah Whitaker, The New Yorker, 22 Apr. 2024
His handling of her final moments, ultimately placing her calmly sitting on the edge of the stage, is masterly.
—David Benedict, Variety, 3 Apr. 2024
The scene offered a preview of how perfectly Tennant’s Doctor would embody the duality of this hero through his three-plus seasons in the TARDIS — a masterly balance of stillness and chatter, heft and levity.
—Maya Phillips, New York Times, 29 Dec. 2023
See All Example Sentences for masterly
Adjective
The authors of this concise and masterly introduction to the topic go some way toward filling that gap.
—Foreign Affairs, 19 Dec. 2019
His accent was unaccented, and his biking around the city was masterly.
—Hannah Whitaker, The New Yorker, 22 Apr. 2024
His handling of her final moments, ultimately placing her calmly sitting on the edge of the stage, is masterly.
—David Benedict, Variety, 3 Apr. 2024
The scene offered a preview of how perfectly Tennant’s Doctor would embody the duality of this hero through his three-plus seasons in the TARDIS — a masterly balance of stillness and chatter, heft and levity.
—Maya Phillips, New York Times, 29 Dec. 2023
See All Example Sentences for masterly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for masterly
Adjective
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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
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Then the animators could take over and finish the rest with their skillful photorealism.—
Bill Desowitz,
IndieWire,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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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
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Tony Gilroy’s masterful series is so good that the sci-fi Star Wars of it all sometimes seems irrelevant compared to the nuanced takes on resistance and fascism.—
James Grebey,
Vulture,
23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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As usual, Ellie attempts to mask her feelings with sarcasm, but this doesn’t really work with Gail (who’s skilled at doing the same).—
Keith Phipps,
Vulture,
28 Apr. 2025
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He has been credited as a skilled recruiter and defensive coordinator who contributed to the school reaching the NCAA Tournament in each of those seasons.—
Edward Lee,
Baltimore Sun,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
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
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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
Adjective
-
The earbuds are adept at reducing noise below about 100Hz, which is excellent for lower-frequency droning sounds.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
28 Apr. 2025
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Russia is very adept at what is known as hybrid warfare, a term that broadly refers to tactics designed to undermine or destabilize opponents, but falling short of open conflict.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Apr. 2025
Adverb
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Streep and Short’s characters got married in the fourth season of the murder mystery show and, in a too-sweet parallel, the two actors are rumored to be dating for real as well.—
Gil Kaufman,
Billboard,
5 May 2025
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Aiming to better understand the sentiments of young American consumers today, Credit Karma’s survey, conducted by The Harris Poll, polled more than 2,000 U.S. adults ages 18 and older from April 7 to 9.—
Alexandra Pastore,
Footwear News,
5 May 2025
Adjective
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The stark and simple artistic qualities of the pieces result in a soothing or even balming aesthetic that many people find to evoke tranquility.—
Rowan Briggs,
Mercury News,
1 May 2025
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Foreman will be celebrated at this summer’s Venice Theater Biennale (May 31–June 15), which is being organized by the event’s artistic director, Willem Dafoe.—
Andrew Lampert,
Artforum,
1 May 2025
Adjective
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Being a manager requires being proficient at many skills, and with this incident, Snitker failed at all of them.—
Dan Freedman,
Forbes.com,
26 Apr. 2025
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Less than half of the city’s public school students are proficient readers.—
Cayla Bamberger,
New York Daily News,
23 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Masterly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/masterly. Accessed 13 May. 2025.
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