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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 Julia Garner will no doubt garner applause for her masterful Criterion Closet picks, ranging from auteurs Spike Lee to Bong Joon Ho. Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 7 Mar. 2025 From Broderick Turner: James Harden was masterful in pouring in 50 points for a Clippers team that once again has endured a slew of injuries at the most inopportune time. Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2025 Three members of the ‘Crab Five’ delivered the flavor Queen, the freshman from Baltimore, was masterful in the second half for Maryland, scoring 13 of his points in the period. Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 1 Mar. 2025 Made with petroleum jelly, the thick emollient is masterful at locking in moisture, which helps build a protective barrier so her skin can heal. Jihan Forbes, Allure, 28 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for masterful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for masterful
Adjective
  • The obvious split between a democratic Taiwan and an authoritarian China is an uncontestable reality and is part of the international consensus.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Since taking office just a few weeks ago, President Trump has rapidly depleted the reservoir of America’s soft power with an authoritarian bent and astonishing speed.
    Penny Abeywardena, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • So this kind of parallel can easily be drawn between Iran and other countries, [including those with] an arrogant isolation program, definitely.
    Georg Szalai, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Mar. 2025
  • One of the targets of his reign of terror is arrogant Judge Stefan Mortensen, played by Oscar-winning actor Geoffrey Rush admitted to the facility after being left partially paralyzed after a stroke.
    Simon Thompson, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • This skillful painting by Sophie Zhou, a junior at The Kincaid School, was sold for a record $276,000 at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's school art competition auction.
    Shafaq Patel, Axios, 19 Mar. 2025
  • This hints that, yes, skillful storytellers may actually live longer.
    Ron Shachar, Scientific American, 7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Several legendary fictional detectives have been expert game players and puzzle solvers.
    Sarah Larson, The New Yorker, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Today, an internet connection opens up a world of free and affordable learning—from YouTube channels dedicated to sharing expert knowledge to podcasts and digital libraries packed with nonfiction titles ready to download to a Kindle or other e-reader.
    David Nikel, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Since then, he’s portrayed a colorful collection of characters, from a domineering theater owner in Shakespeare in Love to Pirates of the Caribbean’s villain turned hero, Captain Hector Barbossa.
    airmail.news, airmail.news, 8 Mar. 2025
  • All the while, his domineering mother Bunny (played by the late Frances Sternhagen) is determined to stay the number one woman in her son's life.
    Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 8 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Vera Clinic Blending medical expertise with advanced technology, Vera Clinic offers superior hair transplant services, using a holistic approach to patient care that includes comprehensive consultations, personalized treatment plans, and meticulous post-operative follow-ups.
    Kyle J. Russell, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2025
  • They’re made with moisture-wicking material that offers a four-way stretch for superior compression and support.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The mixture is often constructed around Vessel’s burly croon, which is frequently presented at the front of the mix, but is adept at harvesting accessible hooks out of a crashing breakdown when needed.
    Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 26 Mar. 2025
  • Quick-footed Trevor Story was adept at vacuuming up the baseball and making a spinning throw to first.
    Patrick Saunders, The Denver Post, 23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Part of the Chapitre Six Hotels collection, Hana exudes quiet sophistication, with interiors by architect and designer Laura Gonzalez and artistic director Olivier Leone.
    Jenn Rice, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • An important location for writers and artists in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the 138-year-old destination today plays up its intellectual and artistic history with literary gatherings, poetry workshops and live music.
    Evan Rail, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Masterful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/masterful. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

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