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

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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 2003 recording that appears on 2009’s The Live Anthology box set is eight minutes long, with a virtuoso performance by keyboardist Benmont Tench on the lengthy instrumental bridge.
    — Al Shipley, SPIN, 7 Aug. 2026
  • 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
Definition of virtuoso
Adjective
  • Making robots skillful The second stage introduces a latent diffusion model, which gives BeyondMimic its ability to generate and combine movements.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Fortunately, her protégées—her grandnieces and other female students in the village—are skillful artists in their own right.
    — Marisol Delarosa, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of skillful
Adverb
  • Yet Parton masterfully stayed out of every fight in the culture wars, preaching love, philanthropy, mentorship and tolerance until her dying breath.
    — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Every spoonful is masterfully balanced, slicking your lips with moreish flavor.
    — The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of masterfully
Adjective
  • Leo Tolstoy’s masterful epic—or one of them, at least—is about one woman’s scandals, passions, and ultimate tragedy, all set amid the tumult of late-19th century Russia.
    — Caroline Rogers, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Tributes poured in for Wright over the weekend, highlighting his masterful performances playing often wounded, complex characters.
    — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of masterful
Adjective
  • There are economic repercussions; sure, robots could build houses, but what happens to all the skilled carpenters?
    — Jeff Haden, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Heather McKenzie, who works in labor relations in Lincoln, said putting more data centers in Nebraska can slow an exodus of skilled young people leaving the state.
    — Will Weissert, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of skilled
Adverb
  • My servers, Simon Yun and Michael Richards, skillfully handled busy dining rooms from the first seating on a Friday evening to the last seating on a Tuesday night.
    — Louisa Kung Liu Chu, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026
  • At this unassuming spot in Jardim Botânico, Sudbrack skillfully uses a traditional clay oven to draw remarkable flavors from the simplest of seasonal, fresh, and local ingredients.
    — Mikael Castro, Travel + Leisure, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of skillfully
Adjective
  • Psychological research has shown that cognitive errors can arise in any domain, even by the most expert experts.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Sullivan said that there would be more expert testimony both from the defense and Commonwealth and that closing arguments could come on Monday or Tuesday.
    — Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of expert
Adjective
  • Phoebes are adept flycatchers, and usually pluck their meals in midflight.
    — Joan Morris, Mercury News, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Even the most adept communicators can struggle with the monumental task of messaging such a thorny, systemic and ever-changing issue.
    — Jamil Wyne, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 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 30 Aug. 2026.

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