mastery

noun

ˈma-st(ə-)rē How to pronounce mastery (audio)
Definition of masterynext
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

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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

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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 mastery By exhibiting and then dominating them in the arena, Rome was symbolically asserting its mastery over nature itself. — Roberto Prieto, Variety, 8 Sep. 2026 The term seems to imply a mastery of all the resources of a form, displayed in a surprising context without self-conscious artfulness. — Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026 The set-up is fast and the humor on the wacky side, like a Coen brothers flick minus their mastery of narrative rhythm, which here remains erratic throughout. — Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 7 Sep. 2026 For many young Americans, learning a skilled trade offers a faster, more affordable route to a solid career and the dignity that comes with mastery of a craft. — Shaun McCutcheon, Boston Herald, 7 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mastery
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mastery
  1. proficiency
  2. power
  3. control
  4. dominion
  5. sway
Noun
  • In the scene, Simon’s family speaks Kreyòl — although to varying degrees of proficiency — and the camera lingers on the Haitian feast presented on the table.
    — Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Improving reading and math proficiency for public school students to ensure all have an opportunity to succeed.
    — Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of proficiency
Noun
  • State agencies, including the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security, have helped local officials with damage assessments and power restoration, among other tasks.
    — Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Its inclusion in the corridors of power is characteristic of the 52-year-old executive, whom colleagues describe as committed, charismatic and down-to-earth.
    — Jenny B. Fine, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of power
Noun
  • Badly injured, Captain Machchhar somehow opened the cockpit door, allowing passengers to overpower al-Hammami, and two off-duty pilots to take control of the plane and land it in Saudi Arabia.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 10 Oct. 2026
  • In recent years, business has also benefited from factors outside the company’s control, like a country music resurgence boosting the sale of acoustic guitars and Taylor Swift inspiring more young women to take up the instrument.
    — Phil Wahba, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of control
Noun
  • The twentieth century also saw Canada transition from British dominion to sovereign North American partner and ally.
    — Robert B. Zoellick, Foreign Affairs, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Faced with the dominion of the identical copy, some modern artists chose to celebrate it; others took a more critical, even antagonistic stance.
    — Mario Carpo, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of dominion
Noun
  • The story plays out in New York’s cutthroat acting scene, where a talented Indian actor chasing his craft falls under the sway of Keitel’s teacher.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 5 Oct. 2026
  • As Béatrice’s amateur detective work pulls her in deeper, the strands begin to suggest a conspiracy, one marked by mysterious disappearances and the clandestine sway of the Vatican.
    — Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of sway

Browse Nearby Words

masterworks
mastery
masticate
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Cite this Entry

“Mastery.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mastery. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

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