1
as in virtuoso
accomplished with trained ability
a masterly performance of one of the most difficult ballets in the repertory
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
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 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
-
Elegant materials, bespoke furnishings, skillful layering of textures, and eye-catching lighting are all hallmarks of Hogarty’s soulful spaces, and the firm seeks to create an emotional response with its polished yet comfortable aesthetic.—
Elizabeth Stamp,
Architectural Digest,
15 Apr. 2025
-
Hiring managers must learn to distinguish between misuse and skillful application to capture a candidate’s ability to tackle real-world challenges.—
Bing Yu Yap,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
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
-
However skilled labor shortages are a drawback for those setting up business.—
Paul Williams,
Forbes.com,
28 Apr. 2025
-
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
Adjective
-
Art Weston, a Kentucky resident, went to Lake Livingston, Texas, to catch an alligator gar with the help of an expert guide and fisherman, Captain Kirk Kirkland.—
Ashley J. DiMella Fox News,
FOXNews.com,
15 Apr. 2025
-
Subscribe to the Life Kit newsletter for expert advice on love, money, relationships and more.—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
This new species, found near the summit, is adept at moving through trees and has bright blue skin visible only when inflated.—
Stories by Real-Time news team, with AI summarization,
Miami Herald,
18 Apr. 2025
-
Monetary easing by central banks can mitigate the damage, and businesses are adept at restructuring supply chains to pass on costs.—
Robert Ginsburg,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
Adverb
-
Thematically, the fractured friendship works well in a story that is so much about the joys of friendship and the pain of a camaraderie betrayed.—
Kayti Burt,
Time,
26 Apr. 2025
-
Lincoln best known for role as Linda Fairgate Throughout her illustrious in Hollywood, Lincoln performed in various film and television projects.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
This simple, yet challenging, theme breaks from traditional norms in order to build a strong and resonant artistic brand.—
Matt Emma,
USA Today,
21 Apr. 2025
-
Loloi rug collections is named for a street in the West Village, the historically artistic neighborhood where Brent launched his career and currently lives with his family.—
Morgan Goldberg,
Architectural Digest,
20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
That score means those students haven’t mastered even the basic skills needed to become proficient readers.—
Silas Allen,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
15 Apr. 2025
-
What’s Included in Your Climb A proficient climb leader will be with you the entire way, from start to finish.—
Wendy Altschuler,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Masterly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/masterly. Accessed 1 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share