masterly 1 of 2

adjective

ˈma-stər-lē How to pronounce masterly (audio)
Definition of masterlynext
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

masterly

2 of 2

adverb

as in masterfully
in a skillful or expert manner a masterly executed somersault

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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 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
Les Bleus continue their masterly run through the World Cup, winning by multiple goals for the fifth time in six matches. — Joe Murphy, NBC news, 9 July 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for masterly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for masterly
  1. virtuoso
  2. skillful
  3. masterfully
  4. masterful
  5. skilled
  6. skillfully
  7. expert
  8. adept
Adjective
  • The visual essay below features virtuoso examples of the techniques that designers have used to replicate the ideals of classical dress over the years, including draping, pleating, twisting, and wrapping.
    — Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 16 July 2026
  • Thanks to more than 200 years of intense and virtuoso scientific work, what were once valid or at least plausible concerns and objections to vaccines have been overcome.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
Definition of virtuoso
Adjective
  • What is not explicit on screen or in the financial results is the intense amount of skillful work, preparation, promotion, production, marketing, and ad sales that goes on behind the scenes.
    — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The Norwegian soccer superstar, 26, took social media by storm throughout the 2026 FIFA World Cup, between his skillful talent on the pitch and his team’s celebratory Viking row.
    — Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 30 July 2026
Definition of skillful
Adverb
  • The action sequences in this film aren’t overpowering, but they are masterfully choreographed.
    — Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • The Aurzen Boom mini sets an absolute standard for budget-friendly portable entertainment, masterfully pairing genuine Google TV streaming with Dolby Audio.
    — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 28 July 2026
Definition of masterfully
Adjective
  • The sophisticated updo Kate is well-known for her hairstyles, which are nothing short of masterful.
    — Laura Scafati, Vanity Fair, 31 July 2026
  • An entrepreneur is like a chef, and AI provides the ingredients needed to create a masterful meal, a thriving enterprise.
    — Sid Mohasseb, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Definition of masterful
Adjective
  • The outlet reported that the character, who is a preteen in season 4 of Ted Lasso, has grown into a skilled soccer player — something Feely alluded to in an October 2025 interview with the Birmingham Parent.
    — Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Data center investment offers an opportunity to expand the tax base, create high-wage skilled trades and technology jobs, and support broader infrastructure modernization.
    — Ron Kitchens, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of skilled
Adverb
  • Each round produced more capable people executing more skillfully against incompatible interpretations of the strategy.
    — Leslie Ellis, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Grant also points out that Barton has developed a reputation for skillfully taking direction.
    — Selome Hailu, Variety, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of skillfully
Adjective
  • However, the Migration follows rain and grass, not a fixed calendar, which is why expert planning is essential.
    — Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Ahead, Vogue’s definitive guide to the best perfumes for women, along with expert tips on finding the perfect scent that feels uniquely yours.
    — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of expert
Adjective
  • As the below playstyle wheel shows, the 24-year-old is an active presence off the ball and relatively adept both at retaining possession and ball-carrying.
    — Mark Carey, New York Times, 31 July 2026
  • The team also found that residents in the Sardinian Blue Zone had higher levels of curiosity and receptiveness to new ideas in general, and were more adept at understanding and sharing their emotions.
    — Refractor, Refractor, 27 July 2026
Definition of adept

Browse Nearby Words

masterliness
masterly
mastermind
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Cite this Entry

“Masterly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/masterly. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of masterly for Spanish Speakers

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