masterful

adjective

mas·​ter·​ful ˈma-stər-fəl 

1

a

: inclined and usually competent to act as master

b

: suggestive of a domineering nature

2

: having or reflecting the power and skill of a master

masterfully

ˈma-stər-fə-lē 

adverb

masterfulness noun

Did you know?

Some commentators insist that masterful must only mean "domineering," reserving the "expert, skillful" sense for masterly. The distinction is a modern one. In earlier times, the terms were used interchangeably, with each having both the "domineering" and "expert" senses. The "domineering" sense of masterly fell into disuse around the 18th century, however, and in the 20th century the famous grammarian H. W. Fowler decided that masterful should be similarly limited to a single meaning. He summarily ruled that the "expert" definition of masterful was incorrect. Other usage writers followed his lead. But the "expert" meaning of masterful has continued to flourish in standard prose in spite of the disapproval, and, considering the sense's long history, it cannot really be called an error.

Synonyms of masterful

• virtuoso
• skillful
• expert
• artistic

Choose the Right Synonym for masterful

masterful, domineering, imperious, peremptory, imperative mean tending to impose one's will on others.

masterful implies a strong personality and ability to act authoritatively.

her masterful personality soon dominated the movement

domineering suggests an overbearing or arbitrary manner and an obstinate determination to enforce one's will.

children controlled by domineering parents

imperious implies a commanding nature or manner and often suggests arrogant assurance.

an imperious executive used to getting his own way

peremptory implies an abrupt dictatorial manner coupled with an unwillingness to brook disobedience or dissent.

given a peremptory dismissal

imperative implies peremptoriness arising more from the urgency of the situation than from an inherent will to dominate.

an imperative appeal for assistance

Examples of masterful in a Sentence

His manner was masterful and abrupt.

a masterful work of art

He did a masterful job of staying out of trouble.

Recent Examples on the Web

The Horned Frogs could’ve gotten the ball back only down two possessions to start the third quarter, but Bachmeier led a masterful two-minute drill with no timeouts to get the Cougars a field goal as BYU led 27-10 at halftime. —Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Nov. 2025

Led by a masterful 46-point performance from Stephen Curry, the Warriors overcame a 31-point, 15-rebound, 10-assist outing from Victor Wembanyama — handing the home-team Spurs their third loss of the 2025-26 NBA season. —Matt Audilet, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Nov. 2025

This masterful horror novel about a vengeful vampire who stalks a reservation is told through interviews which gives it a spine-tingling realism. —Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 13 Nov. 2025

Glasman is demonstrating to The Hollywood Reporter his masterful command of the elaborate computer system set up in front of him. —Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 12 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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Kids Definition

masterful

adjective

mas·​ter·​ful ˈmas-tər-fəl 

1

: inclined to take control or dominate

2

: having or showing the technical or artistic skill of a master

masterfully

-fə-lē 

adverb

masterfulness noun