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as in arrogant
having a feeling of superiority that shows itself in an overbearing attitude a masterful businesswoman who didn't hesitate to step on a lot of people as she climbed the ladder of success

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word masterful distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of masterful are domineering, imperative, imperious, and peremptory. While all these words 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

When could domineering be used to replace masterful?

The words domineering and masterful are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, domineering suggests an overbearing or arbitrary manner and an obstinate determination to enforce one's will.

children controlled by domineering parents

When is imperative a more appropriate choice than masterful?

While in some cases nearly identical to masterful, imperative implies peremptoriness arising more from the urgency of the situation than from an inherent will to dominate.

an imperative appeal for assistance

In what contexts can imperious take the place of masterful?

In some situations, the words imperious and masterful are roughly equivalent. However, imperious implies a commanding nature or manner and often suggests arrogant assurance.

an imperious executive used to getting his own way

When is it sensible to use peremptory instead of masterful?

Although the words peremptory and masterful have much in common, peremptory implies an abrupt dictatorial manner coupled with an unwillingness to brook disobedience or dissent.

given a peremptory dismissal

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 masterful Imparting masterful restraint, Torres makes Eunice’s few outbursts feel believably contained. Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 17 Jan. 2025 James addresses the problem by creating a revolutionary who resembles himself: not just a single-minded ideologue, but a masterful craftsman, a lover of art and a sensitive friend. Max Chapnick, The Conversation, 16 Jan. 2025 In his film, Ribot reveals Lanzmann’s relentless pursuit to tell of the extermination of six million Jews during the Second World War and shows unseen footage from the masterful cinematic project. Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 16 Jan. 2025 But rather than playing it safe, the foremost roast mistress delivered a masterful 10-minute monologue that was hilariously acerbic, pointed, and playful enough to keep the crowd on her good side. Ew Staff, EW.com, 9 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for masterful 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for masterful
Adjective
  • In this paradigm, the ideal worker is less like a corporate ally or a trusted collaborator and more like a subject of an authoritarian regime.
    Anna Wiener, The New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2025
  • Over the past decade, during which the authoritarian Law and Justice party has ruled in Poland, the Centre has served as a staunch defender of independent research.
    Natalia Romik / Madę by History, TIME, 27 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Julie Bowen and Christopher McDonald return as love interest Virginia Venit and arrogant rival Shooter McGavin, respectively, and the cast includes rookies like Bad Bunny, Travis Kelce and pro wrestler Maxwell Jacob Friedman.
    Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Those include genial second-year resident Dr. King (Taylor Dearden), arrogant intern Santos (Isa Briones), and doe-eyed med students Javadi (Shabana Azeez) and Whittaker (Gerran Howell).
    Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 9 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • But Vancouver nonetheless controlled the second stanza of the contest — first levelling the score, and then taking the lead with a persistent, skillful shift on which Brock Boeser, Quinn Hughes and Elias Pettersson were able to combine for the key go-ahead goal.
    Thomas Drance, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025
  • His length and explosiveness pair well with a skillful touch and a sharp eye for where teammates are located on the perimeter.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The talk show co-hosts brought in two expert piercers from So Gold Studios from Brooklyn, N.Y. to do the piercings live on the air.
    Rachel McRady, People.com, 23 Jan. 2025
  • There will be children’s activities, educational exhibits, expert horticultural speakers, food vendors and entertainment.
    Joe Rassel, Orlando Sentinel, 22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The only thing left to contend with is her domineering mother, the formidable 90-year-old Lenore Simmons Krackenberry, who is obsessed with family lineage and Southern heritage.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 7 Jan. 2025
  • Smith is fantastic and terrifying as Mrs. Medlock in The Secret Garden, the stentorian nurse and housekeeper whose domineering overcautiousness feeds into all the self-pitying inclinations of her poor weakling charge Colin Craven.
    Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 27 Sep. 2024
Adjective
  • Although there is a healthy amount of debate, many hockey experts regard CHL leagues as superior to the USHL for attracting NHL prospects.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 25 Jan. 2025
  • But the Baker & Hostetler letter claims that the Paramount board eliminated an option to consider superior bids from its sale process.
    Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The glasses were adept at translating a basic conversation about K-pop bands.
    Victoria Song, The Verge, 24 Jan. 2025
  • The technology is uniquely adept at managing the many variables and constraints inherent in modern supply chains, where manufacturers and suppliers are closely interconnected.
    Alan Baratz, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Although the poet laureate was born in eastern Maine, Gibson has been an artistic fixture of Boulder, Colorado for more than two decades.
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 25 Jan. 2025
  • Likewise, be patient with romantic partners, sports events and artistic endeavors, because these are areas that could create some tension for you.
    Georgia Nicols, The Denver Post, 25 Jan. 2025

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Thesaurus Entries Near masterful

Cite this Entry

“Masterful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/masterful. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.

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