: in an able and skillful manner : with ability, skill, or proficiency
was ably assisted
This silly comic Christmas romp is ably performed by a cast of 22 actors, led by the high-spirited Danny McBride as the childlike Buddy.Matthew Yde
Last year, she ably completed a half-marathon run with only minimal training.Zachary Lewis

Examples of ably in a Sentence

ably maneuvered the boat up to the dock
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Loosely based on Shirley Jackson’s gothic horror novel of the same name, this creepy tale is skillfully directed by Mike Flanagan (Doctor Sleep), ably assisted by a strong cast that includes Carla Gugino, Timothy Hutton, and Victoria Pedretti. Simon Hill, WIRED, 31 Oct. 2024 Jeremy Allen White is spectacular in the lead role, but he’s ably supported by great turns from Ayo Edibiri and Ebon Moss-Bacharach. Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2024 Chow’s book very interestingly and ably adds to the many books already out about the rush into crypto, and the many ahead. John Tamny, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024 In the first act, Hendrickson dons the houndstooth cap of Holmes, while Davis embodies his sidekick, Dr. Watson, the two ably evoking the combination of affection and exasperation that can be found in long-term friendships. Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 13 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ably 

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ably was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near ably

Cite this Entry

“Ably.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ably. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

ably

adverb
ˈā-blē
: in an able manner

More from Merriam-Webster on ably

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!