1
as in virtuoso
accomplished with trained ability
a masterly performance of one of the most difficult ballets in the repertory
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in skillful
having or showing exceptional knowledge, experience, or skill in a field of endeavor
a masterly handling of a complex topic in philosophy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in masterfully
in a skillful or expert manner
a masterly executed somersault
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of masterly
Hannah Whitaker, The New Yorker, 22 Apr. 2024
His handling of her final moments, ultimately placing her calmly sitting on the edge of the stage, is masterly.
—David Benedict, Variety, 3 Apr. 2024
The scene offered a preview of how perfectly Tennant’s Doctor would embody the duality of this hero through his three-plus seasons in the TARDIS — a masterly balance of stillness and chatter, heft and levity.
—Maya Phillips, New York Times, 29 Dec. 2023
So, there is always another level to illusionism, another more masterly bit of deception.
—Philip Kennicott, Washington Post, 3 Nov. 2023
See All Example Sentences for masterly
Adjective
His accent was unaccented, and his biking around the city was masterly.
—Hannah Whitaker, The New Yorker, 22 Apr. 2024
His handling of her final moments, ultimately placing her calmly sitting on the edge of the stage, is masterly.
—David Benedict, Variety, 3 Apr. 2024
The scene offered a preview of how perfectly Tennant’s Doctor would embody the duality of this hero through his three-plus seasons in the TARDIS — a masterly balance of stillness and chatter, heft and levity.
—Maya Phillips, New York Times, 29 Dec. 2023
So, there is always another level to illusionism, another more masterly bit of deception.
—Philip Kennicott, Washington Post, 3 Nov. 2023
See All Example Sentences for masterly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for masterly
Adjective
-
His non-fiction book The Onion Field, published in 1973, would stand as, arguably, his literary masterpiece, a skillful telling of the true tale of a 1963 kidnapping of two LAPD officers and the brutal murder of one of them.—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
28 Feb. 2025
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Hackman tamped down all of his gritty charm to embody a squirrely surveillance expert, again showcasing a skillful adaptability early in his career.—
David Sims,
The Atlantic,
27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Her 36-piece against Duke earlier this month was masterful.—
Steven Louis Goldstein,
The Athletic,
23 Feb. 2025
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Although his counting stats faded in 2024, Sims was still masterful at limiting weak contact with his sweeper-heavy repertoire.—
Newsweek,
Newsweek,
19 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
For highly skilled job seekers, the choice is obvious.—
Sarah Elk,
Forbes,
27 Feb. 2025
-
Truly skilled, effective coaches don’t need to call their players names and berate them for messing up and know that doing so makes players afraid to take risks and be creative, critical parts of being a great soccer player.—
Jeff Rueter,
The Athletic,
26 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Even if the response is led by the country in which the outbreak is happening, WHO provides expert advice and helps coordinate efforts.—
Gabrielle Emanuel,
NPR,
27 Feb. 2025
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For more information and tailored advice, consider consulting a tax professional or expert financial advisor.—
True Tamplin,
Forbes,
26 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
In short, reviewing medical records and bills is a time-consuming, high-pressure task at which legal professionals are not adept.—
Ethan Stone,
USA TODAY,
27 Feb. 2025
-
Companies often assume that older workers are less adept at adapting to new technologies.—
Mona Mourshed,
Harvard Business Review,
25 Feb. 2025
Adverb
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On Memorial Day weekend in 2023, Fritz was well enough to enjoy a visit from Wolfe ― the pair's first meetup in about three years, his former co-star says.—
Courtney Crowder,
USA TODAY,
25 Feb. 2025
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That might well change Sunday at the Oscars because of a potential clash over the war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas.—
Mike Fleming Jr,
Deadline,
24 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Probably no one can combine artistic creativity with fine craftsmanship like Annamaria Cammilli.—
Anthony DeMarco,
Forbes,
19 Feb. 2025
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People under the water sign are typically compassionate, artistic, intuitive, and wise.—
Janae McKenzie,
Glamour,
19 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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And in eighth grade, a mere 31 percent were deemed proficient.—
Yaakov Katz,
Newsweek,
7 Feb. 2025
-
Neither decline is considered significantly different by NCES but continue a worrisome trend: Fewer than 3 in 10 local test-takers scored proficient — or better — in reading.—
Cayla Bamberger,
New York Daily News,
29 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Masterly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/masterly. Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.
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