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
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
-
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
-
Nani was an exciting, skillful winger, and in the early part of his career in England, a one-time housemate of storied compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo.—
Patrick Snell,
CNN Money,
13 Sep. 2025
-
The animation is flawless and the voice cast, including Dom DeLuise and Derek Jacobi, is note-perfect, but NIMH is most notable for its skillful blend of adventure yarn and emotional family drama, a combination rendered with expert care.—
Declan Gallagher,
EW.com,
13 Sep. 2025
Adverb
-
Pascoal performed masterfully on keyboards, saxophones, bass clarinet, accordion and an array of other instruments.—
George Varga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 Sep. 2025
-
These numbers may seem small, but their effect is profound, especially when wielded by longtime Aston design chief Marek Reichman and his team, who have masterfully created a timeless brand language that continues to evolve and feel au courant while never capitulating to trends.—
Brett Berk,
Robb Report,
3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Seville is known for having excellent regular-season races and running masterful rounds in major championships.—
Katelyn Hutchison,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
-
Hijabs Off is a masterful special that Johnson’s career has been building toward for years.—
Kathryn VanArendonk,
Vulture,
15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The Magnificent Seven are also skilled innovators, Cramer continued.—
Julie Coleman,
CNBC,
15 Sep. 2025
-
According to a McKinsey Digital survey, 60% of companies agree that the lack of skilled IT professionals is the primary barrier to deploying complex technologies.—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
15 Sep. 2025
Adverb
-
Such early birds had not yet evolved many of the features that help modern birds fly skillfully and efficiently.—
Kate Wong,
Scientific American,
16 Sep. 2025
-
Technology delivery that is driven by value in addition to productivity enables the organization to skillfully maneuver changes to business and external markets.—
Tipu Usha Vaithee Swaran,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Our expert reviews of JBL headphones consistently praises the brand for balancing strong sound with everyday value, and this pair fits right into that category.—
Juhi Wadia,
PC Magazine,
11 Sep. 2025
-
Subscribe to the Life Kit newsletter for expert advice on love, money, relationships and more.—
September 11,
NPR,
11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Maria is a wonderfully textured character, at turns flinty and cold and vivacious and funny, and Maura is adept at embodying all sides to this woman.—
Wilson Chapman,
IndieWire,
13 Sep. 2025
-
And when complexity requires a live agent, that agent must be skilled, experienced, and adept at problem-solving, pointing back to the value of gig workers.—
Gary Drenik,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Masterly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/masterly. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share