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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of masterly
Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2025
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
The authors of this concise and masterly introduction to the topic go some way toward filling that gap.
—Foreign Affairs, 19 Dec. 2019
See All Example Sentences for masterly
Adjective
Here and elsewhere, the intermingling of voices and instruments is masterly.
—Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2025
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
The authors of this concise and masterly introduction to the topic go some way toward filling that gap.
—Foreign Affairs, 19 Dec. 2019
See All Example Sentences for masterly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for masterly
Adjective
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Kirk Baxter’s arrhythmic cutting is designed around quicksilver shifts that, along with Barry Ackroyd’s restlessly attentive, mostly handheld camerawork, allow Bigelow to redirect our attention with virtuoso command.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The more success rolled, the more damage done, the more skillful the hack and so on.—
Rob Wieland,
Forbes.com,
27 Aug. 2025
-
Powell, skillful at opaque Fed-speak, nonetheless signaled a simulative change is likely.—
Arthur I. Cyr,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Aug. 2025
Adverb
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The Zone of Interest Jonathan Glazer's unsettling historical drama masterfully employs sound — which earned it an Oscar in 2024 — and what remains unseen to depict the horrors of the Holocaust.—
Charlotte Walsh,
People.com,
1 Sep. 2025
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Keen-eyed viewers will spot bits of the city's culture and history masterfully weaved into the entire show, from paintings on the walls by local artists to filming locations to its needle drops.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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While Mike Kroeger selects unusual colored gemstones and diamonds of superb quality, Angela’s masterful carving skills create incomparably beautiful and precise designs.—
Kyle Roderick,
Forbes.com,
25 Aug. 2025
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These no-bake treats are an easy way to impress for novice and masterful bakers alike heading to a tailgate.—
Hallie Milstein,
Southern Living,
23 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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While Philadelphia does have another highly-skilled receiver in DeVonta Smith, this stack still has the potential to carry any fantasy team in 2025.—
Kevin McCormick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 Aug. 2025
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The film follows skilled martial artist Wang Wei, whose daughter Rainy is abducted by a child trafficking ring.—
Sara Merican,
Deadline,
27 Aug. 2025
Adverb
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Managing conflicts skillfully today can lay the foundation for deeper resilience, better processes and more innovative thinking down the road.—
Will Fan,
Forbes.com,
2 Sep. 2025
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Hill and Giler skillfully avoid virtually every sports movie cliché while still delivering the genre’s rousing satisfactions — this is a spectacularly fun movie in spite of its often grim subject matter.—
Jim Hemphill,
IndieWire,
1 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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For full daily and monthly horoscopes as well as expert readings, see our full Horoscopes experience.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
4 Sep. 2025
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Plus, an expert PEOPLE editor answers the burning question of the week, and one of our favorite stars joins us for a sitdown.—
Staff Author,
PEOPLE,
4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Bilgin is clearly adept at creating beach clubs that stand out from the rest.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
5 Sep. 2025
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This toner is adept at restoring moisture post-cleanse, according to our tester, whose skin skews dry.—
Esme Benjamin,
PEOPLE,
4 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Masterly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/masterly. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.
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