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
  • Jordan's first try from a chip kick by Jordie Barrett and a skillful recovery by Leroy Carter gave New Zealand the lead for the first time and against the run of play in the 30th minute.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 July 2026
  • But the skillful way in which they are woven together belies the efforts that went into telling this story, and Lovely Reader, this dedication to quality fascinates me.
    — Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of skillful
Adverb
  • While traditional tailoring and minimalist silhouettes dominated the red carpet, prospects masterfully personalized their looks.
    — Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
  • Son moved fast, especially up the left wing, and arced balls masterfully into the corners of the net.
    — E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 24 June 2026
Definition of masterfully
Adjective
  • For his first couture collection at Balenciaga, Piccioli infused the house’s heritage with his own signature style — most notably through his masterful use of color.
    — Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 10 July 2026
  • Physical comedy and razor-sharp wit collide in this carnival of theatrical surprises — a masterful blend of classic French farce and contemporary slapstick that will leave audiences breathless with laughter, the news release states.
    — News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2026
Definition of masterful
Adjective
  • Schieffelin, who is listed at 6-foot-8 and 240 pounds, isn’t the most skilled player on the basketball court.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026
  • Over the last decade, China reversed its brain drain, luring thousands of skilled workers back home to help fuel its rise as a technology powerhouse.
    — Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 15 July 2026
Definition of skilled
Adverb
  • Dolin skillfully weaves these accounts and other materials into a compelling narrative.
    — Terry W. Hartle, Christian Science Monitor, 6 July 2026
  • None wielded that weapon more skillfully than the victims and enemies of slavery.
    — Brian DeLay, Mercury News, 4 July 2026
Definition of skillfully
Adjective
  • That’s where the money is these days, and only the most expert studio rats—say, Nine Inch Nails, Tame Impala, or Steely Dan—have been able to reverse-engineer careers into polished touring acts.
    — Patrick Lyons, Pitchfork, 16 July 2026
  • For full daily and monthly horoscopes as well as expert readings, see our full Horoscopes experience.
    — USA TODAY, USA Today, 10 July 2026
Definition of expert
Adjective
  • Raccoons are more adept at getting into things than cats are, thanks to their paws that are like human hands.
    — Joan Morris, Mercury News, 13 July 2026
  • Johnson also proved to be an adept fundraiser, developing strategic plans that resulted in more than 22,000 donors contributing more than $50 million to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County.
    — Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2026
Definition of adept

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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 20 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of masterly for Spanish Speakers

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