1
as in virtuoso
accomplished with trained ability
a masterly performance of one of the most difficult ballets in the repertory
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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These additional components underscore the importance of music, movement, libations, skillful presentation, and audience participation to masquerade more broadly.—
Chadd Scott,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2025
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Who lives and who dies depends on a slew of variable factors: Where they are tried, how skillful their attorneys are, the whims of prosecutors, quirks in the law, the dispositions of judges and jurors, and what victims want.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Elie’s masterful survey is a group portrait of artists and their fellow travelers who participated during a bloody crossroads in American life, when Ronald Reagan’s ascension to the White House in 1980 collapsed the walls between church and state, sparking a counterrevolution across the arts.—
Marc Weingarten,
Los Angeles Times,
22 May 2025
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The series is being produced by Science Saru, which previously worked on anime series like Devilman Crybaby, Star Wars Visions, and Scott Pilgrim Takes Off, and it's been praised by fans and critics alike for its stunning production values, touching storytelling, and masterful animation.—
Oliver Brandt,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 May 2025
Adjective
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Deploying this type of technology at scale could not only help identify at-risk patients for proactive monitoring but also address the global need for medical professionals, with the U.S. alone requiring 122,000 skilled physicians by 2032.—
Max Votek,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2025
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The presence of someone skilled, experienced and committed to public service could strengthen the agency, at a time when the federal work force faces unprecedented strain.—
Kwame Anthony Appiah,
New York Times,
21 May 2025
Adjective
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Subscribe to the Life Kit newsletter for expert advice on love, money, relationships and more.—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
21 May 2025
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There won’t be a tipping point, because the other side is too expert at lying.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
18 May 2025
Adjective
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In addition to her prowess at finding the net in soccer, Nelson is adept at hitting balls over the net as a tennis player.—
Steve Millar,
Chicago Tribune,
23 May 2025
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Adebayo, who is adept at switching onto smalls, had been a second- or first-team All-Defensive selection for five consecutive seasons — until this season.—
Josh Robbins,
New York Times,
22 May 2025
Adverb
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It has been well documented the historic year Scheffler posted in 2024.—
Kendall Capps,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 June 2025
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My strong preference would be to keep Porziņģis because of his extraordinarily rare skill set, which should age reasonably well depending on health, even if this season ended so strangely for him.—
Danny Leroux,
New York Times,
31 May 2025
Adjective
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Hobbies, sports and artistic expression are also quite in favor for you now, so do whatever possible to live in the moment and embrace your inner child.—
Kyle Thomas,
People.com,
25 May 2025
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This extraordinary relief depicts the king and several Assyrian deities, providing a glimpse into the religious and artistic culture of the Assyrian Empire.—
Real-Time news team,
Miami Herald,
23 May 2025
Adjective
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Preparatory Academy, an alternative high school in the Bronx for young adults who have lived in the United States for less than one year and are not yet proficient in English.—
Cayla Bamberger,
New York Daily News,
27 May 2025
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In 2024, eighth graders dropped to 47% proficient or advanced in science down from 77% in 2023.—
Karen Billing,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Masterly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/masterly. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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