1
as in proficiency
a highly developed skill in or knowledge of something
the exchange student returned from her year in Spain with a complete mastery of the language
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in power
the right or means to command or control others
the British monarch has only token mastery over the citizens of the United Kingdom
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 mastery
There’ll be no shortage of retrospectives about his operational genius, his supply chain mastery, and his steady stewardship through the post-Jobs era.
—
Kim Scott, CNBC, 22 Apr. 2026
Over time, systems begin to substitute for thinking, and management begins to substitute for mastery.
—Richard P. Weigand, Rolling Stone, 22 Apr. 2026
The work shows off Monet’s mastery in capturing light and an environment in constant flux, like the river and its surroundings.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 20 Apr. 2026
Several roundtable participants argued that deep vertical expertise — an intimate understanding of healthcare operations, for instance — is becoming more valuable than mastery of a horizontal, one-size-fits-all process.
—Michael Jacobides, Fortune, 17 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for mastery
Kim Scott, CNBC, 22 Apr. 2026
Over time, systems begin to substitute for thinking, and management begins to substitute for mastery.
—Richard P. Weigand, Rolling Stone, 22 Apr. 2026
The work shows off Monet’s mastery in capturing light and an environment in constant flux, like the river and its surroundings.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 20 Apr. 2026
Several roundtable participants argued that deep vertical expertise — an intimate understanding of healthcare operations, for instance — is becoming more valuable than mastery of a horizontal, one-size-fits-all process.
—Michael Jacobides, Fortune, 17 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for mastery
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mastery
Noun
-
Some tech leaders have claimed that AI has enabled them to accomplish more with smaller teams, thanks in part to AI’s proficiency in writing code.—
Lisa Eadicicco,
CNN Money,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Every year, high schoolers from all over North America take part in the festival, which started in 1995 to help students level up their proficiency in performing and inspire them to keep improving their technical skills.—
Fousia Abdullahi,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The Stars’ 71 power-play goals ranked first in the NHL in 2025-26, and Johnston’s 27 were the second-most in a single season since the 2004-05 lockout.—
Michael Russo,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
They're driven very much by power, domination, control.—
Brie Stimson,
FOXNews.com,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Fiber-optic drones are not piloted via, for example, GPS signals or radio control.—
Melanie Lidman,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Why mosquito control matters beyond the bites For most gardeners, mosquitoes are about comfort — or the lack of it.—
Ryan Brennan,
Sacbee.com,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
This was clearly outside the purview of the colonizer, who saw land as a resource held under his dominion.—
Tim Brinkhof,
JSTOR Daily,
22 Apr. 2026
-
For China, bringing Taiwan under its dominion would break through that barrier and expand its military reach.—
Wayne Chang,
CNN Money,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
In Christian America, evangelical conservatives have held sway for decades.—
Elizabeth Bruenig,
The Atlantic,
24 Apr. 2026
-
The rise of Bernie Sanders’ preferred Senate candidate in Michigan is frustrating moderates, delighting progressives, and testing the sway of Democratic leaders in a race that will likely determine the party’s shot at a Senate majority.—
Burgess Everett,
semafor.com,
22 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Mastery.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mastery. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
