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
Phillipa Gregory, PEOPLE, 4 Oct. 2025
The masterly second installment of Wolf Hall retails permanent lessons in power.
—Martha Bayles, National Review, 17 Apr. 2025
Jeffrey Steingarten, Vogue, 5 Apr. 2026
At times, Davis is a masterly nocturne painter, in the vein of Whistler and Henry Ossawa Tanner; at others, his world is medicinally clear and well lit, like that of a Thomas Eakins.
—Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 23 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for masterly
Adjective
Wolf Hall is the first — and my favorite — of the masterly trilogy which follows the rise of Thomas Crowell, advisor to Henry VIII.
—Phillipa Gregory, PEOPLE, 4 Oct. 2025
The masterly second installment of Wolf Hall retails permanent lessons in power.
—Martha Bayles, National Review, 17 Apr. 2025
Adverb
At age 31, chef de cuisine at the restaurant Alain Ducasse (at the Essex House hotel in New York City), one of the city's finest establishments, Didier is a masterly cook with a rigorous classical training.
—Jeffrey Steingarten, Vogue, 5 Apr. 2026
At times, Davis is a masterly nocturne painter, in the vein of Whistler and Henry Ossawa Tanner; at others, his world is medicinally clear and well lit, like that of a Thomas Eakins.
—Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 23 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for masterly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for masterly
Adjective
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The teacher was Orlandi himself, both an authority on the history of the instrument and a virtuoso performer.—
Tim Parks,
New Yorker,
11 Apr. 2026
-
The French Connection is now mostly remembered for its virtuoso chase scene and Gene Hackman’s charm.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Baron was known for his skillful driving on the racetrack and his love of cruising steep canyon roads.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Apr. 2026
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The invader is a skillful art restorer, Lori Butler (Michaela Coel), who’s been hired by Julian’s greedy children, Barnaby (James Corden) and Sallie (Jessica Gunning), to work, or pose, as their father’s new assistant.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
3 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
Nurse Dana—competent, underpaid, indispensable, and increasingly aware of her own leverage—isn’t a supporting character, as masterfully played by the Emmy-winning Katherine LaNasa.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
13 Apr. 2026
-
This contemporary-style home masterfully bridges the indoor and outdoor living experiences.—
Patricia Shannon,
Better Homes & Gardens,
12 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The reigning National League Cy Young winner, in his first start against the Padres, was fairly masterful before departing with one out in the seventh inning after Xander Bogaerts hit the first home run off any Pirates starting pitcher this season.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Apr. 2026
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The space is sexy and chic, a masterful mix of heritage style and 1970s design.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Meanwhile, there’s an acute shortage of skilled tradesmen around the country.—
Emma Green,
New Yorker,
17 Apr. 2026
-
Carmago, who has a degree in ethnomusicology, is a skilled jazz player who is also adept on the four-string cavaquinho.—
George Varga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
17 Apr. 2026
Adverb
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And Fitzgerald, coming off a magnificent six-interception freshman season, can play nickel skillfully if needed.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
18 Apr. 2026
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Don’t be fooled by its modest exterior—inside, guests find some of the city’s most skillfully balanced and imaginative drinks, crafted by bartenders who speak spirits fluently.—
Kat Stinson,
Travel + Leisure,
14 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Prosecutors have expert medical witnesses, and Judge Jan Alexander provided some guardrails about their testimony Monday afternoon.—
Mike Hellgren,
CBS News,
20 Apr. 2026
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For full daily and monthly horoscopes as well as expert readings, see our full Horoscopes experience.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Carmago, who has a degree in ethnomusicology, is a skilled jazz player who is also adept on the four-string cavaquinho.—
George Varga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
17 Apr. 2026
-
Both Jeffers and Victor Caratini have proven highly adept at it.—
Betsy Helfand,
Twin Cities,
16 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Masterly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/masterly. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026.
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