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
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
-
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
-
This country has produced leaders who understood that the office was never about them, that service means something, and that the people watching from home deserve better than a system that rewards the skillful exit over the honest reckoning.—
Nick Weston,
The Orlando Sentinel,
2 May 2026
-
Miami coach Mario Cristobal is known for his skillful recruiting of top prospects.—
Adam Lichtenstein,
Sun Sentinel,
25 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
Zack Kelly pitched himself to the edge of disaster, then masterfully swerved out of harm’s way.—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
7 May 2026
-
The filmmaker masterfully integrates the naive art style into the film’s design and animation techniques.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
7 May 2026
Adjective
-
What is perhaps most masterful is the film’s ability to make its audience connect deeply with a character who never once appears on-screen.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
6 May 2026
-
Jose did a wonderful job, a masterful job of getting him there.—
Charlotte Phillipp,
PEOPLE,
3 May 2026
Adjective
-
San Diego’s defense, life sciences and technology industries depend on highly skilled professionals who come here and contribute.—
Lucas Robinson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 May 2026
-
For anything beyond a quick fix, working with a skilled pro can help ensure the job is done right—saving you time, stress and often money in the long run.—
Angie Hicks,
Boston Herald,
8 May 2026
Adverb
-
Auditor Diana DiZoglio has skillfully tapped into public sentiment against the unpopular Legislature but needs to be transparent about the framework of her potential audit and who will be doing the auditing.—
Joe Battenfeld,
Boston Herald,
7 May 2026
-
Kneecap have skillfully put their manifesto and a detailed rundown of last year’s experiences on their new album, Fenian, whose title, taken from the name of a 19th century Irish revolutionary movement, signals its controversial content.—
Lily Moayeri,
SPIN,
6 May 2026
Adjective
-
For full daily and monthly horoscopes as well as expert readings, see our full Horoscopes experience.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Judge Liman did not immediately rule on whether the expert testimony on the topics would be permitted.—
Cheyenne Roundtree,
Rolling Stone,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Experience goes a long way, especially if the Lakers get Doncic back at some point during the series, but the Thunder have proven adept at navigating every aspect of the playoffs since last spring.—
Benjamin Royer,
Oc Register,
4 May 2026
-
Alex Caruso is adept at pick-6s.—
Law Murray,
New York Times,
4 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Masterly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/masterly. Accessed 11 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
